Augmented reality systems and methods for telecommunications site modeling

ABSTRACT

Systems and method for augmented reality to visualize a telecommunications site for planning, engineering, and installing equipment include creating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a virtual object representing the equipment; providing the 3D model of the virtual object to an augmented reality server; providing a virtual environment representing the telecommunications site; obtaining the virtual object from the augmented reality server; and selectively inserting the virtual object in the virtual environment for one or more of planning, engineering, and installation associated with the telecommunications site.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present patent/application is continuation-in-part of and thecontent of each are incorporated by reference herein:

Filing Date Serial No. Title Aug. 8, 2017 15/675,930 VIRTUAL 360-DEGREEVIEW OF A TELECOMMUNICATIONS SITE Oct. 3, 2016 15/283,699 OBTAINING 3DMODELING DATA USING UAVS FOR CELL SITES Aug. 19, 2016 15/241,239 3DMODELING OF CELL SITES TO DETECT CONFIGURATION AND SITE CHANGES May 31,2016 15/168,503 VIRTUALIZED SITE SURVEY SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CELLSITES May 20, 2016 15/160,890 3D MODELING OF CELL SITES AND CELL TOWERSWITH UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to augmented reality systemsand methods. More particularly, the present disclosure relates toaugmented reality systems and methods for telecommunication siteengineering and planning.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Due to the geographic coverage nature of wireless service, there arehundreds of thousands of cell towers in the United States. For example,in 2014, it was estimated that there were more than 310,000 cell towersin the United States. Cell towers can have heights up to 1,500 feet ormore. There are various requirements for cell site workers (alsoreferred to as tower climbers or transmission tower workers) to climbcell towers to perform maintenance, audit, and repair work for cellularphone and other wireless communications companies. This is both adangerous and costly endeavor. For example, between 2003 and 2011, 50tower climbers died working on cell sites (see, e.g.,www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontine/social-issues/cell-tower-deaths/in-race-for-better-cell-service-men-who-climb-towers-pay-with-their-lives/).Also, OSHA estimates that working on cell sites is 10 times moredangerous than construction work, generally (see, e.g.,www.propublica.org/article/cell-tower-work-fatalities-methodology).Furthermore, the tower climbs also can lead to service disruptionscaused by accidents. Thus, there is a strong desire, from both a costand safety perspective, to reduce the number of tower climbs.

Concurrently, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), referred to asdrones, is evolving. There are limitations associated with UAVs,including emerging FAA rules and guidelines associated with theircommercial use. It would be advantageous to leverage the use of UAVs toreduce tower climbs of cell towers. US 20140298181 to Rezvan describesmethods and systems for performing a cell site audit remotely. However,Rezvan does not contemplate performing any activity locally at the cellsite, nor various aspects of UAV use. US20120250010 to Hannay describesaerial inspections of transmission lines using drones. However, Hannaydoes not contemplate performing any activity locally at the cell site,nor various aspects of constraining the UAV use. Specifically, Hannaycontemplates a flight path in three dimensions along a transmissionline.

Of course, it would be advantageous to further utilize UAVs to actuallyperform operations on a cell tower. However, adding one or more roboticarms, carrying extra equipment, etc. presents a significantly complexproblem in terms of UAV stabilization while in flight, i.e.,counterbalancing the UAV to account for the weight and movement of therobotic arms. Research and development continues in this area, butcurrent solutions are complex and costly, eliminating the drivers forusing UAVs for performing cell tower work.

3D modeling is important for cell site operators, cell tower owners,engineers, etc. There exist current techniques to make 3D models ofphysical sites such as cell sites. One approach is to take hundreds orthousands of pictures and to use software techniques to combine thesepictures to form a 3D model. Generally, conventional approaches forobtaining the pictures include fixed cameras at the ground with zoomcapabilities or pictures via tower climbers. It would be advantageous toutilize a UAV to obtain the pictures, providing 360-degree photos froman aerial perspective. Use of aerial pictures is suggested in US20100231687 to Armory. However, this approach generally assumes picturestaken from a fixed perspective relative to the cell site, such as via afixed, mounted camera and a mounted camera in an aircraft. It has beendetermined that such an approach is moderately inaccurate during 3Dmodeling and combination with software due to slight variations inlocation tracking capabilities of systems such as Global PositioningSatellite (GPS). It would be advantageous to utilize a UAV to takepictures and provide systems and methods for accurate 3D modeling basedthereon to again leverage the advantages of UAVs over tower climbers,i.e., safety, climbing speed and overall speed, cost, etc.

In the process of planning, installing, maintaining, and operating cellsites and cell towers, site surveys are performed for testing, auditing,planning, diagnosing, inventorying, etc. Conventional site surveysinvolve physical site access including access to the top of the celltower, the interior of any buildings, cabinets, shelters, huts, hardenedstructures, etc. at the cell site, and the like. With over 200,000 cellsites in the U.S., geographically distributed everywhere, site surveyscan be expensive, time-consuming, and complex. The various parentapplications associated herewith describe techniques to utilize UAVs tooptimize and provide safer site surveys. It would also be advantageousto further optimize site surveys by minimizing travel throughvirtualization of the entire process.

As the number of cell sites increases, there are various concernsrelative to site planning, engineering, and installation. New siteconstruction requires approval from various stakeholders, i.e., localcommunities, governmental agencies, landowners, tower operators, etc.The trend in new site construction is toward aesthetically pleasingdesigns which attempt to conceal cell site components, e.g., disguisingtowers as trees, placing components on roofs in a concealed manner, etc.There is a need to accurately and effectively represent planned sitesfor the purposes of planning, approval, engineering, and installation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an exemplary embodiment, systems and methods using augmented realityto visualize a telecommunications site for planning, engineering, andinstalling equipment includes creating a three-dimensional (3D) model ofa virtual object representing the equipment; providing the 3D model ofthe virtual object to an augmented reality server; providing a virtualenvironment representing the telecommunications site; obtaining thevirtual object from the augmented reality server; and selectivelyinserting the virtual object in the virtual environment for one or moreof planning, engineering, and installation associated with thetelecommunications site. The 3D model can be created through steps ofobtaining data capture of a particular object for the virtual object;processing the captured data to create a 3D point cloud and generating a3D mesh object; and providing multiple files to represent the 3D modelto the augmented reality server. The data capture can be via an UnmannedAerial Vehicle (UAV). The captured data can be processed by editing oneor more of the 3D point cloud and the 3D mesh object. The multiple filescan include an object file, a material library file, and a texture file.The 3D model can be created through steps of creating the virtual objectutilizing Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. The virtual environmentcan be provided via a Web browser and the virtual object can be selectedand virtually inserted in the Web browser. The virtual environment canbe provided via a camera on a mobile device and the virtual object isselected and placed in the camera field of view.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated and described herein withreference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers areused to denote like system components/method steps, as appropriate, andin which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a side view of an exemplary cell site;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a cell site audit performed with a UAV;

FIG. 3 is a screen diagram of a view of a graphical user interface (GUI)on a mobile device while piloting the UAV;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary UAV;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a mobile device;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a cell site audit method utilizing the UAV andthe mobile device;

FIG. 7 is a network diagram of various cell sites deployed in ageographic region;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of the cell site and an associated launchconfiguration and flight for the UAV to obtain photos for a 3D model ofthe cell site;

FIG. 9 is a satellite view of an exemplary flight of the UAV at the cellsite;

FIG. 10 is a side view of an exemplary flight of the UAV at the cellsite;

FIG. 11 is a logical diagram of a portion of a cell tower along withassociated photos taken by the UAV at different points relative thereto;

FIG. 12 is a screenshot of a GUI associated with post-processing photosfrom the UAV;

FIG. 13 is a screenshot of a 3D model constructed from a plurality of 2Dphotos taken from the UAV as described herein;

FIGS. 14-19 are various screenshots of GUIs associated with a 3D modelof a cell site based on photos taken from the UAV as described herein;

FIG. 20 is a photo of the UAV in flight at the top of a cell tower;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a process for modeling a cell site with anUnmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV);

FIG. 22 is a diagram of an exemplary interior of a building, such as ashelter or cabinet, at the cell site;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a virtual site survey process for the cellsite;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a close-out audit method performed at a cellsite subsequent to maintenance or installation work;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a 3D modeling method to detect configurationand site changes;

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram of a 3D model creation process;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a method using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV) to obtain data capture at a cell site for developing a threedimensional (3D) thereof;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of a 3D modeling method for capturing data at thecell site, the cell tower, etc. using the UAV;

FIGS. 29A and 29B are block diagrams of a UAV with multiple cameras(FIG. 29A) and a camera array (FIG. 29B);

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a method using multiple cameras to obtainaccurate three-dimensional (3D) modeling data;

FIGS. 31 and 32 are diagrams of a multiple camera apparatus and use ofthe multiple camera apparatus in a shelter or cabinet or the interior ofa building;

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of a data capture method in the interior of abuilding using the multiple camera apparatus;

FIG. 34 is a flowchart of a method for verifying equipment andstructures at the cell site using 3D modeling;

FIG. 35 is a diagram of a photo stitching User Interface (UI) for cellsite audits, surveys, inspections, etc. remotely;

FIG. 36 is a flowchart of a method for performing a cell site audit orsurvey remotely via a User Interface (UI);

FIG. 37 is a perspective diagram of a 3D model of the cell site, thecell tower, the cell site components, and the shelter or cabinet alongwith surrounding geography and subterranean geography;

FIG. 38 is a flowchart of a method for creating a three-dimensional (3D)model of a cell site for one or more of a cell site audit, a sitesurvey, and cell site planning and engineering;

FIG. 39 is a perspective diagram of the 3D model of FIG. 37 of the cellsite, the cell tower, the cell site components, and the shelter orcabinet along with surrounding geography, subterranean geography, andincluding fiber connectivity;

FIG. 40 is a flowchart of a method for creating a three-dimensional (3D)model of a cell site and associated fiber connectivity for one or moreof a cell site audit, a site survey, and cell site planning andengineering;

FIG. 41 is a perspective diagram of a cell site with the surroundinggeography;

FIG. 42 is a flowchart of a method for cell site inspection by a cellsite operator using the UAV;

FIG. 43 is a flowchart of a virtual 360 view method 2700 for creatingand using a virtual 360 environment;

FIGS. 44-55 are screenshots from an exemplary implementation of thevirtual 360-degree view environment from FIG. 43;

FIG. 56 is a flowchart of a virtual 360 view method for creating,modifying, and using a virtual 360 environment;

FIGS. 57 and 58 are screenshots of a 3D model of a telecommunicationssite of a building roof with antenna equipment added in the modified 3Dmodel;

FIG. 59 is a flowchart of a scanning method for incorporating an objectin a virtual view; and

FIG. 60 is a flowchart of a model creation method for incorporating avirtually created object in a virtual view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to augmented reality systems and methodsfor telecommunication site engineering and planning. With the augmentedreality systems and methods, a user can incorporate three-dimensional(3D) objects into a virtual model via data capture from a phone, atablet, a digital camera, etc. including a digital camera on an UnmannedAerial Vehicle (UAV), small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS), etc. Thesystems and methods include techniques to scan objects to create virtualobjects and to incorporate the virtual objects in existing views. Forexample, a cell tower and the like can be virtually placed in anaugmented reality view. The systems and methods also include techniquesfor 3D model creation. Variously, the systems and methods can be usedfor a cell site or other telecommunication sites for planning,engineering, installation, and the like.

Further, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for avirtual 360-degree view modification of a telecommunications site, suchas a cell site, for purposes of planning, engineering, and installation,and the like. The systems and methods include a three-dimensional (3D)model of the telecommunications site, including exterior and surroundinggeography as well as internal facilities. Various techniques areutilized for data capture including the use of an Unmanned AerialVehicle (UAV). With the 3D model, various modifications and additionsare added after the fact, i.e., to a preexisting environment, for thepurposes of planning, engineering, and installation. Advantageously, themodified 3D model saves time in site inspection and engineering,improves the accuracy of planning and installation, and decreases theafter installation changes increasing the overall planning phase ofconstruction and telecommunication operations.

Further, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for avirtual 360-degree view of a telecommunications site, such as a cellsite, for purposes of site surveys, site audits, and the like. Theobjective of the virtual 360 view is to provide an environment, viewablevia a display, where personnel can be within the telecommunications siteremotely. That is, the purpose of the virtual 360 view creation is toallow industry workers to be within the environment of the locationcaptured (i.e., telecommunications cellular site). Within thisenvironment, there is an additional augmented reality where a user cancall information from locations of importance. This environment canserve as a bid walk, pre-construction verification, post-installationverification, or simply as an inventory measurement for companies. Theinformation captured with the virtual 360 view captures the necessaryinformation to create action with respect to maintenance, upgrades, orthe like. This actionable information creates an environment that can bepassed from tower owner, carrier owner, construction company, andinstallation crews with the ease of an email with a Uniform ResourceLocator (URL) link to the web. This link can be sent to a user's phone,Virtual Reality (VR) headset, computer, tablet, etc. This allows for atelecom engineer to be within the reality of the cell site ortelecommunications site from their desk. For example, the engineer canclick on an Air Conditioning (AC) panel and a photo is overlaid in theenvironment showing the engineer the spaces available for additionalbreakers or the sizes of breakers being used.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure relates tosystems and methods for verifying cell sites using accuratethree-dimensional (3D) modeling data. In an exemplary embodiment,systems and method for verifying a cell site utilizing an UnmannedAerial Vehicle (UAV) include providing an initial point cloud related tothe cell site to the UAV; developing a second point cloud based oncurrent conditions at the cell site, wherein the second point cloud isbased on data acquisition using the UAV at the cell site; detectingvariations between the initial point cloud and the second point cloud;and, responsive to detecting the variations, determining whether thevariations are any of compliance related, load issues, and defectsassociated with any equipment or structures at the cell site.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure relates tosystems and methods for obtaining accurate three-dimensional (3D)modeling data using a multiple camera apparatus. Specifically, themultiple camera apparatus contemplates use in a shelter or the like tosimultaneously obtain multiple photos for purposes of developing athree-dimensional (3D) model of the shelter for use in a cell site auditor the like. The multiple camera apparatus can be portable or mountedwithin the shelter. The multiple camera apparatus includes a supportbeam with a plurality of cameras associated therewith. The plurality ofcameras each face a different direction, angle, zoom, etc. and arecoordinated to simultaneously obtain photos. Once obtained, the photoscan be used to create a 3D model. Advantageously, the multiple cameraapparatus streamlines data acquisition time as well as ensures theproper angles and photos are obtained. The multiple camera apparatusalso is simple to use allowing untrained technicians the ability toeasily perform data acquisition.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure relates tosystems and methods for obtaining three-dimensional (3D) modeling datausing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) (also referred to as “drones”) orthe like at cell sites, cell towers, etc. Variously, the systems andmethods describe various techniques using UAVs or the like to obtaindata, i.e., pictures and/or video, used to create a 3D model of a cellsite subsequently. Various uses of the 3D model are also describedincluding site surveys, site monitoring, engineering, etc.

Further, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosurerelates to virtualized site survey systems and methods usingthree-dimensional (3D) modeling of cell sites and cell towers with andwithout unmanned aerial vehicles. The virtualized site survey systemsand methods utilizing photo data capture along with locationidentifiers, points of interest, etc. to create three-dimensional (3D)modeling of all aspects of the cell sites, including interiors ofbuildings, cabinets, shelters, huts, hardened structures, etc. Asdescribed herein, a site survey can also include a site inspection, cellsite audit, or anything performed based on the 3D model of the cell siteincluding building interiors. With the data capture, 3D modeling canrender a completely virtual representation of the cell sites. The datacapture can be performed by on-site personnel, automatically with fixed,networked cameras, or a combination thereof. With the data capture andthe associated 3D model, engineers and planners can perform sitesurveys, without visiting the sites leading to significant efficiency incost and time. From the 3D model, any aspect of the site survey can beperformed remotely including determinations of equipment location,accurate spatial rendering, planning through drag and drop placement ofequipment, access to actual photos through a Graphical User Interface,indoor texture mapping, and equipment configuration visualizationmapping the equipment in a 3D view of a rack.

Further, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosurerelates to three-dimensional (3D) modeling of cell sites and cell towerswith unmanned aerial vehicles. The present disclosure includes UAV-basedsystems and methods for 3D modeling and representing of cell sites andcell towers. The systems and methods include obtaining various picturesvia a UAV at the cell site, flying around the cell site to obtainvarious different angles of various locations, tracking the variouspictures (i.e., enough pictures to produce an acceptable 3D model,usually hundreds, but could be more) with location identifiers, andprocessing the various pictures to develop a 3D model of the cell siteand the cell tower. Additionally, the systems and methods focus onprecision and accuracy ensuring the location identifiers are as accurateas possible for the processing by using multiple different locationtracking techniques as well as ensuring the UAV is launched from thesame location and/or orientation for each flight. The same locationand/or orientation, as described herein, was shown to provide moreaccurate location identifiers versus arbitrary location launches andorientations for different flights. Additionally, once the 3D model isconstructed, the systems and methods include an application whichenables cell site owners and cell site operators to “click” on anylocation and obtain associated photos, something extremely useful in theongoing maintenance and operation thereof. Also, once constructed, the3D model is capable of various measurements including height, angles,thickness, elevation, even Radio Frequency (RF), and the like.

§ 1.0 Exemplary Cell Site

Referring to FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates aside view of an exemplary cell site 10. The cell site 10 includes a celltower 12. The cell tower 12 can be any type of elevated structure, suchas 100-200 feet/30-60 meters tall. Generally, the cell tower 12 is anelevated structure for holding cell site components 14. The cell tower12 may also include a lighting rod 16 and a warning light 18. Of course,there may various additional components associated with the cell tower12 and the cell site 10 which are omitted for illustration purposes. Inthis exemplary embodiment, there are four sets 20, 22, 24, 26 of cellsite components 14, such as for four different wireless serviceproviders. In this example, the sets 20, 22, 24 include various antennas30 for cellular service. The sets 20, 22, 24 are deployed in sectors,e.g., there can be three sectors for the cell site components—alpha,beta, and gamma. The antennas 30 are used to both transmit a radiosignal to a mobile device and receive the signal from the mobile device.The antennas 30 are usually deployed as a single, groups of two, threeor even four per sector. The higher the frequency of spectrum supportedby the antenna 30, the shorter the antenna 30. For example, the antennas30 may operate around 850 MHz, 1.9 GHz, and the like. The set 26includes a microwave dish 32 which can be used to provide other types ofwireless connectivity, besides cellular service. There may be otherembodiments where the cell tower 12 is omitted and replaced with othertypes of elevated structures such as roofs, water tanks, etc.

§ 2.0 Cell Site Audits via UAV

Referring to FIG. 2, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates acell site audit 40 performed with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 50.As described herein, the cell site audit 40 is used by serviceproviders, third-party engineering companies, tower operators, etc. tocheck and ensure proper installation, maintenance, and operation of thecell site components 14 and shelter or cabinet 52 equipment as well asthe various interconnections between them. From a physical accessibilityperspective, the cell tower 12 includes a climbing mechanism 54 fortower climbers to access the cell site components 14. FIG. 2 includes aperspective view of the cell site 10 with the sets 20, 26 of the cellsite components 14. The cell site components 14 for the set 20 includethree sectors—alpha sector 54, beta sector 56, and gamma sector 58.

In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 is utilized to perform the cellsite audit 40 in lieu of a tower climber access the cell site components14 via the climbing mechanism 54. In the cell site audit 40, anengineer/technician is local to the cell site 10 to perform varioustasks. The systems and methods described herein eliminate a need for theengineer/technician to climb the cell tower 12. Of note, it is stillimportant for the engineer/technician to be local to the cell site 10 asvarious aspects of the cell site audit 40 cannot be done remotely asdescribed herein. Furthermore, the systems and methods described hereinprovide an ability for a single engineer/technician to perform the cellsite audit 40 without another person handling the UAV 50 or a personwith a pilot's license operating the UAV 50 as described herein.

§ 2.1 Cell Site Audit

In general, the cell site audit 40 is performed to gather informationand identify a state of the cell site 10. This is used to check theinstallation, maintenance, and/or operation of the cell site 10. Variousaspects of the cell site audit 40 can include, without limitation:

Verify the cell site 10 is built according to a current revision VerifyEquipment Labeling Verify Coax Cable (“Coax”) Bend Radius Verify CoaxColor Coding/Tagging Check for Coax External Kinks & Dents Verify CoaxGround Kits Verify Coax Hanger/Support Verify Coax Jumpers Verify CoaxSize Check for Connector Stress & Distortion Check for ConnectorWeatherproofing Verify Correct Duplexers/Diplexers Installed VerifyDuplexer/Diplexer Mounting Verify Duplexers/Diplexers InstalledCorrectly Verify Fiber Paper Verify Lacing & Tie Wraps Check for Looseor Cross-Threaded Coax Connectors Verify Return (“Ret”) Cables VerifyRet Connectors Verify Ret Grounding Verify Ret Installation Verify RetLightning Protection Unit (LPI) Check for Shelter/Cabinet PenetrationsVerify Surge Arrestor Installation/Grounding Verify Site CleanlinessVerify LTE GPS Antenna Installation

Of note, the cell site audit 40 includes gathering information at andinside the shelter or cabinet 52, on the cell tower 12, and at the cellsite components 14. Note, it is not possible to perform all of the aboveitems solely with the UAV 50 or remotely.

§ Piloting the UAV at the Cell Site

It is important to note that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)is in the process of regulating commercial UAV (drone) operation. It isexpected that these regulations would not be complete until 2016 or2017. In terms of these regulations, commercial operation of the UAV 50,which would include the cell site audit 40, requires at least twopeople, one acting as a spotter and one with a pilot's license. Theseregulations, in the context of the cell site audit 40, would make use ofthe UAV 50 impractical. To that end, the systems and methods describedherein propose operation of the UAV 50 under FAA exemptions which allowthe cell site audit 40 to occur without requiring two people and withoutrequiring a pilot's license. Here, the UAV 50 is constrained to fly upand down at the cell site 10 and within a three-dimensional (3D)rectangle at the cell site components. These limitations on the flightpath of the UAV 50 make the use of the UAV 50 feasible at the cell site10.

Referring to FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, a screen diagramillustrates a view of a graphical user interface (GUI) 60 on a mobiledevice 100 while piloting the UAV 50. The GUI 60 provides a real-timeview to the engineer/technician piloting the UAV 50. That is, a screen62 provides a view from a camera on the UAV 50. As shown in FIG. 3, thecell site 10 is shown with the cell site components 14 in the view ofthe screen 62. Also, the GUI 60 has various controls 64, 66. Thecontrols 64 are used to pilot the UAV 50, and the controls 66 are usedto perform functions in the cell site audit 40 and the like.

§ 3.1 FAA Regulations

The FAA is overwhelmed with applications from companies interested inflying drones, but the FAA is intent on keeping the skies safe.Currently, approved exemptions for flying drones include tight rules.Once approved, there is some level of certification for drone operatorsalong with specific rules such as speed limit of 100 mph, heightlimitations such as 400 ft, no-fly zones, day only operation,documentation, and restrictions on aerial filming. Accordingly, flightat or around cell towers is constrained, and the systems and methodsdescribed herein fully comply with the relevant restrictions associatedwith drone flights from the FAA.

§ 4.0 Exemplary Hardware

Referring to FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment, a perspective viewillustrates an exemplary UAV 50 for use with the systems and methodsdescribed herein. Again, the UAV 50 may be referred to as a drone or thelike. The UAV 50 may be a commercially available UAV platform that hasbeen modified to carry specific electronic components as describedherein to implement the various systems and methods. The UAV 50 includesrotors 80 attached to a body 82. A lower frame 84 is located on a bottomportion of the body 82, for landing the UAV 50 to rest on a flat surfaceand absorb impact during landing. The UAV 50 also includes a camera 86which is used to take still photographs, video, and the like.Specifically, the camera 86 is used to provide the real-time display onthe screen 62. The UAV 50 includes various electronic components insidethe body 82 and/or the camera 86 such as, without limitation, aprocessor, a data store, memory, a wireless interface, and the like.Also, the UAV 50 can include additional hardware, such as robotic armsor the like that allow the UAV 50 to attach/detach components for thecell site components 14. Specifically, it is expected that the UAV 50will get bigger and more advanced, capable of carrying significantloads, and not just a wireless camera. The present disclosurecontemplates using the UAV 50 for various aspects at the cell site 10,including participating in construction or deconstruction of the celltower 12, the cell site components 14, etc.

These various components are now described with reference to a mobiledevice 100. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the UAV 50can include similar components to the mobile device 100. Of note, theUAV 50 and the mobile device 100 can be used cooperatively to performvarious aspects of the cell site audit 40 described herein. In otherembodiments, the UAV 50 can be operated with a controller instead of themobile device 100. The mobile device 100 may solely be used forreal-time video from the camera 86 such as via a wireless connection(e.g., IEEE 802.11 or variants thereof). Some portions of the cell siteaudit 40 can be performed with the UAV 50, some with the mobile device100, and others solely by the operator through a visual inspection. Insome embodiments, all of the aspects can be performed in the UAV 50. Inother embodiments, the UAV 50 solely relays data to the mobile device100 which performs all of the aspects. Other embodiments are alsocontemplated.

Referring to FIG. 5, in an exemplary embodiment, a block diagramillustrates a mobile device 100, which may be used for the cell siteaudit 40 or the like. The mobile device 100 can be a digital devicethat, in terms of hardware architecture, generally includes a processor102, input/output (I/O) interfaces 104, wireless interfaces 106, a datastore 108, and memory 110. It should be appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art that FIG. 5 depicts the mobile device 100 in anoversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additionalcomponents and suitably configured processing logic to support known orconventional operating features that are not described in detail herein.The components (102, 104, 106, 108, and 102) are communicatively coupledvia a local interface 112. The local interface 112 can be, for example,but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wirelessconnections, as is known in the art. The local interface 112 can haveadditional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such ascontrollers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, amongmany others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface 112may include address, control, and/or data connections to enableappropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor 102 is a hardware device for executing softwareinstructions. The processor 102 can be any custom made or commerciallyavailable processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliaryprocessor among several processors associated with the mobile device100, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip orchip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions.When the mobile device 100 is in operation, the processor 102 isconfigured to execute software stored within the memory 110, tocommunicate data to and from the memory 110, and to generally controloperations of the mobile device 100 pursuant to the softwareinstructions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 102 may includea mobile-optimized processor such as optimized for power consumption andmobile applications. The I/O interfaces 104 can be used to receive userinput from and/or for providing system output. User input can beprovided via, for example, a keypad, a touch screen, a scroll ball, ascroll bar, buttons, barcode scanner, and the like. System output can beprovided via a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD),touch screen, and the like. The I/O interfaces 104 can also include, forexample, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer systeminterface (SCSI), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF)interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the like. The I/Ointerfaces 104 can include a graphical user interface (GUI) that enablesa user to interact with the mobile device 100. Additionally, the I/Ointerfaces 104 may further include an imaging device, i.e., camera,video camera, etc.

The wireless interfaces 106 enable wireless communication to an externalaccess device or network. Any number of suitable wireless datacommunication protocols, techniques, or methodologies can be supportedby the wireless interfaces 106, including, without limitation: RF; IrDA(infrared); Bluetooth; ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15protocol); IEEE 802.11 (any variation); IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any othervariation); Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum; Frequency Hopping SpreadSpectrum; Long Term Evolution (LTE); cellular/wireless/cordlesstelecommunication protocols (e.g. 3G/4G, etc.); wireless home networkcommunication protocols; paging network protocols; magnetic induction;satellite data communication protocols; wireless hospital or health carefacility network protocols such as those operating in the WMTS bands;GPRS; proprietary wireless data communication protocols such as variantsof Wireless USB; and any other protocols for wireless communication. Thewireless interfaces 106 can be used to communicate with the UAV 50 forcommand and control as well as to relay data therebetween. The datastore 108 may be used to store data. The data store 108 may include anyof volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such asDRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g.,ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof.Moreover, the data store 108 may incorporate electronic, magnetic,optical, and/or other types of storage media.

The memory 110 may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., randomaccess memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatilememory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), and combinations thereof.Moreover, the memory 110 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical,and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory 110 may have adistributed architecture, where various components are situated remotelyfrom one another but can be accessed by the processor 102. The softwarein memory 110 can include one or more software programs, each of whichincludes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementinglogical functions. In the example of FIG. 5, the software in the memory110 includes a suitable operating system (O/S) 114 and programs 116. Theoperating system 114 essentially controls the execution of othercomputer programs and provides scheduling, input-output control, fileand data management, memory management, and communication control andrelated services. The programs 116 may include various applications,add-ons, etc. configured to provide end-user functionality with themobile device 100, including performing various aspects of the systemsand methods described herein.

It will be appreciated that some exemplary embodiments described hereinmay include one or more generic or specialized processors (“one or moreprocessors”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors,customized processors, and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) andunique stored program instructions (including both software andfirmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, inconjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all ofthe functions of the methods and/or systems described herein.Alternatively, some or all functions may be implemented by a statemachine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each functionor some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented ascustom logic. Of course, a combination of the aforementioned approachesmay be used. Moreover, some exemplary embodiments may be implemented asa non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computerreadable code stored thereon for programming a computer, server,appliance, device, etc. each of which may include a processor to performmethods as described and claimed herein. Examples of suchcomputer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, ahard disk, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM(Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM(Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (ElectricallyErasable Programmable Read Only Memory), Flash memory, and the like.When stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium, the softwarecan include instructions executable by a processor that, in response tosuch execution, cause a processor or any other circuitry to perform aset of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, etc.

§ 4.1 RF Sensors in the UAV

In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 can also include one or more RFsensors disposed therein. The RF sensors can be any device capable ofmaking wireless measurements related to signals associated with the cellsite components 14, i.e., the antennas. In an exemplary embodiment, theUAV 50 can be further configured to fly around a cell zone associatedwith the cell site 10 to identify wireless coverage through variousmeasurements associated with the RF sensors.

§ 5.0 Cell Site Audit with UAV and/or Mobile Device

Referring to FIG. 6, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustratesa cell site audit method 200 utilizing the UAV 50 and the mobile device100. Again, in various exemplary embodiments, the cell site audit 40 canbe performed with the UAV 50 and the mobile device 100. In otherexemplary embodiments, the cell site audit 40 can be performed with theUAV 50 and an associated controller. In other embodiments, the mobiledevice 100 is solely used to relay real-time video from the camera 86.While the steps of the cell site audit method 200 are listedsequentially, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize some orall of the steps may be performed in a different order. The cell siteaudit method 200 includes an engineer/technician at a cell site with theUAV 50 and the mobile device 100 (step 202). Again, one aspect of thesystems and methods described herein is the usage of the UAV 50, in acommercial setting, but with constraints such that only one operator isrequired and such that the operator does not have to hold a pilot'slicense. As described herein, the constraints can include a flight ofthe UAV 50 at or near the cell site 10 only, a flight pattern up anddown in a 3D rectangle at the cell tower 12, a maximum heightrestriction (e.g., 500 feet or the like), and the like. For example, thecell site audit 40 is performed by one of i) a single operator flyingthe UAV 50 without a license or ii) two operators including one with alicense and one to spot the UAV 50.

The engineer/technician performs one or more aspects of the cell siteaudit 40 without the UAV 50 (step 204). Note, there are many aspects ofthe cell site audit 40 as described herein. It is not possible for theUAV 50 to perform all of these items such that the engineer/techniciancould be remote from the cell site 10. For example, access to theshelter or cabinet 52 for audit purposes requires theengineer/technician to be local. In this step, the engineer/techniciancan perform any audit functions as described herein that do not requireclimbing.

The engineer/technician can cause the UAV 50 to fly up the cell tower 12or the like to view cell site components 14 (step 206). Again, thisflight can be based on the constraints, and the flight can be through acontroller and/or the mobile device 100. The UAV 50 and/or the mobiledevice 100 can collect data associated with the cell site components 14(step 208), and process the collected data to obtain information for thecell site audit 40 (step 210). As described herein, the UAV 50 and themobile device 100 can be configured to collect data via video and/orphotographs. The engineer/technician can use this collected data toperform various aspects of the cell site audit 40 with the UAV 50 andthe mobile device 100 and without a tower climb.

The foregoing descriptions detail specific aspects of the cell siteaudit 40 using the UAV 50 and the mobile device 100. In these aspects,data can be collected—generally, the data is video or photographs of thecell site components 14. The processing of the data can be automatedthrough the UAV 50 and/or the mobile device 100 to compute certain itemsas described herein. Also, the processing of the data can be performedeither at the cell site 10 or afterward by the engineer/technician.

In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 can be a commercial,“off-the-shelf” drone with a Wi-Fi enabled camera for the camera 86.Here, the UAV 50 is flown with a controller pad which can include ajoystick or the like. Alternatively, the UAV 50 can be flown with themobile device 100, such as with an app installed on the mobile device100 configured to control the UAV 50. The Wi-Fi enable camera isconfigured to communicate with the mobile device 100—to both displayreal-time video and audio as well as to capture photos and/or videoduring the cell site audit 40 for immediate processing or for laterprocessing to gather relevant information about the cell site components14 for the cell site audit 40.

In another exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 can be a so-called “drone ina box” which is preprogrammed/configured to fly a certain route, such asbased on the flight constraints described herein. The “drone in a box”can be physically transported to the cell site 10 or actually locatedthere. The “drone in a box” can be remotely controlled as well.

§ 5.1 Antenna Down Tilt Angle

In an exemplary aspect of the cell site audit 40, the UAV 50 and/or themobile device 100 can be used to determine a down tilt angle ofindividual antennas 30 of the cell site components 14. The down-tiltangle can be determined for all of the antennas 30 in all of the sectors54, 56, 58. The down-tilt angle is the mechanical (external) down tiltof the antennas 30 relative to a support bar 200. In the cell site audit40, the down-tilt angle is compared against an expected value, such asfrom a Radio Frequency (RF) data sheet, and the comparison may check toensure the mechanical (external) down tilt is within ±1.0° ofspecification on the RF data sheet.

Using the UAV 50 and/or the mobile device 100, the down-tilt angle isdetermined from a photo taken from the camera 86. In an exemplaryembodiment, the UAV 50 and/or the mobile device 100 is configured tomeasure three points—two defined by the antenna 30 and one by thesupport bar 200 to determine the down tilt angle of the antenna 30. Forexample, the down-tilt angle can be determined visually from the side ofthe antenna 30—measuring a triangle formed by a top of the antenna 30, abottom of the antenna 30, and the support bar 200.

§ 5.2 Antenna Plumb

In an exemplary aspect of the cell site audit 40 and similar todetermining the down tilt angle, the UAV 50 and/or the mobile device 100can be used to visually inspect the antenna 30 including its mountingbrackets and associated hardware. This can be done to verify appropriatehardware installation, to verify the hardware is not loose or missing,and to verify that antenna 30 is plumb relative to the support bar 200.

§ 5.3 Antenna Azimuth

In an exemplary aspect of the cell site audit 40, the UAV 50 and/or themobile device 100 can be used to verify the antenna azimuth, such asverifying the antenna azimuth is oriented within ±5° as defined on theRF data sheet. The azimuth (AZ) angle is the compass bearing, relativeto true (geographic) north, of a point on the horizon directly beneathan observed object. Here, the UAV 50 and/or the mobile device 100 caninclude a location determining device such as a Global PositioningSatellite (GPS) measurement device. The antenna azimuth can bedetermined with the UAV 50 and/or the mobile device 100 using an aerialphoto or the GPS measurement device.

§ 5.4 Photo Collections

As part of the cell site audit 40 generally, the UAV 50 and/or themobile device 100 can be used to document various aspects of the cellsite 10 by taking photos or video. For example, the mobile device 100can be used to take photos or video on the ground in or around theshelter or cabinet 52 and the UAV 500 can be used to take photos orvideo up the cell tower 12 and of the cell site components 14. Thephotos and video can be stored in any of the UAV 50, the mobile device100, the cloud, etc.

In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV can also hover at the cell site 10and provide real-time video footage back to the mobile device 100 oranother location (for example, a Network Operations Center (NOC) or thelike).

§ 5.5 Compound Length/Width

The UAV 50 can be used to fly over the cell site 10 to measure theoverall length and width of the cell site 10 compound from overheadphotos. In one aspect, the UAV 50 can use GPS positioning to detect thelength and width by flying over the cell site 10. In another aspect, theUAV 50 can take overhead photos which can be processed to determine theassociated length and width of the cell site 10.

§ 5.6 Data Capture—Cell Site Audit

The UAV 50 can be used to capture various pieces of data via the camera86. That is, with the UAV 50 and the mobile device 100, the camera 86 isequivalent to the engineer/technician's own eyes, thereby eliminatingthe need for the engineer/technician to physically climb the tower. Oneimportant aspect of the cell site audit 40 is physically collectingvarious pieces of information—either to check records for consistency orto establish a record. For example, the data capture can includedetermining equipment module types, locations, connectivity, serialnumbers, etc. from photos. The data capture can include determiningphysical dimensions from photos or from GPS such as the cell tower 12height, width, depth, etc. The data capture can also include visualinspection of any aspect of the cell site 10, cell tower 12, cell sitecomponents 14, etc. including, but not limited to, physicalcharacteristics, mechanical connectivity, cable connectivity, and thelike.

The data capture can also include checking the lighting rod 16 and thewarning light 18 on the cell tower 12. Also, with additional equipmenton the UAV 50, the UAV 50 can be configured to perform maintenance suchas replacing the warning light 18, etc. The data capture can alsoinclude checking maintenance status of the cell site components 14visually as well as checking associated connection status. Anotheraspect of the cell site audit 40 can include checking the structuralintegrity of the cell tower 12 and the cell site components 14 viaphotos from the UAV 50.

§ 5.7 Flying the UAV at the Cell Site

In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 can be programmed toautomatically fly to a location and remain there without requiring theoperator to control the UAV 50 in real-time, at the cell site 10. Inthis scenario, the UAV 50 can be stationary at a location in the air atthe cell site 10. Here, various functionality can be incorporated in theUAV 50 as described herein. Note, this aspect leverages the ability tofly the UAV 50 commercially based on the constraints described herein.That is, the UAV 50 can be used to fly around the cell tower 12, togather data associated with the cell site components 14 for the varioussectors 54, 56, 58. Also, the UAV 50 can be used to hover around thecell tower 12, to provide additional functionality described as follows.

§ 5.8 Video/Photo Capture—Cell Site

With the UAV 50 available to operate at the cell site 10, the UAV 50 canalso be used to capture video/photos while hovering. This applicationuses the UAV 50 as a mobile video camera to capture activity at oraround the cell site 10 from the air. It can be used to document work atthe cell site 10 or to investigate the cell site 10 responsive toproblems, e.g., tower collapse. It can be used to take surveillancevideo of surrounding locations such as service roads leading to the cellsite 10, etc.

§ 5.9 Wireless Service Via the UAV

Again, with the ability to fly at the cell site 10, subject to theconstraints, the UAV 50 can be used to provide temporary or evenpermanent wireless service at the cell site. This is performed with theaddition of wireless service-related components to the UAV 50. In thetemporary mode, the UAV 50 can be used to provide services over a shorttime period, such as responding to an outage or other disaster affectingthe cell site 10. Here, an operator can cause the UAV 50 to fly wherethe cell site components 14 are and provide such service. The UAV 50 canbe equipped with wireless antennas to provide cell service, WirelessLocal Area Network (WLAN) service, or the like. The UAV 50 caneffectively operate as a temporary tower or small cell as needed.

In the permanent mode, the UAV 50 (along with other UAVs 50) canconstantly be in the air at the cell site 10 providing wireless service.This can be done similar to the temporary mode but over a longer timeperiod. The UAV 50 can be replaced over a predetermined time to refuelor the like. The replacement can be another UAV 50. The UAV 50 caneffectively operate as a permanent tower or small cell as needed.

§ 6.0 Flying the UAV From Cell Site to Another Cell Site

As described herein, the flight constraints include operating the UAV 50vertically in a defined 3D rectangle at the cell site 10. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the flight constraints can be expanded to allowthe 3D rectangle at the cell site 10 as well as a horizontal operationbetween adjacent cell sites 10. Referring to FIG. 7, in an exemplaryembodiment, a network diagram illustrates various cell sites 10 a-10 edeployed in a geographic region 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV50 is configured to operate as described herein, such as in FIG. 2, inthe vertical 3D rectangular flight pattern, as well as in a horizontalflight pattern between adjacent cell sites 10. Here, the UAV 50 iscleared to fly, without the commercial regulations, between the adjacentcell sites 10.

In this manner, the UAV 50 can be used to perform the cell site audits40 at multiple locations—note, the UAV 50 does not need to land andphysically be transported to the adjacent cell sites 10. Additionally,the fact that the FAA will allow exemptions to fly the UAV 50 at thecell site 10 and between adjacent cell sites 10 can create aninterconnected mesh network of allowable flight paths for the UAV 50.Here, the UAV 50 can be used for other purposes besides those related tothe cell site 10. That is, the UAV 50 can be flown in any application,independent of the cell sites 10, but without requiring FAA regulation.The applications can include, without limitation, a drone deliverynetwork, a drone surveillance network, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 7, the UAV 50, at the cell site 10 a, can be flown toany of the other cell sites 10 b-10 e along flight paths 302. Due to thefact that cell sites 10 are numerous and diversely deployed in thegeographic region 300, an ability to fly the UAV 50 at the cell sites 10and between adjacent cell sites 10 creates an opportunity to fly the UAV50 across the geographic region 300, for numerous applications.

§ 7.0 UAV and Cell Towers

Additionally, the systems and methods described herein contemplatepractically any activity at the cell site 10 using the UAV 50 in lieu ofa tower climb. This can include, without limitation, any tower auditwork with the UAV 50, any tower warranty work with the UAV 50, any toweroperational ready work with the UAV 50, any tower construction with theUAV 50, any tower decommissioning/deconstruction with the UAV 50, anytower modifications with the UAV 50, and the like.

§ 8.0 Cell Site Operations

There are generally two entities associated with cell sites—cell siteowners and cell site operators. Generally, cell site owners can beviewed as real estate property owners and managers. Typical cell siteowners may have a vast number of cell sites, such as tens of thousands,geographically dispersed. The cell site owners are generally responsiblefor the real estate, ingress and egress, structures on site, the celltower itself, etc. Cell site operators generally include wirelessservice providers who generally lease space on the cell tower and in thestructures for antennas and associated wireless backhaul equipment.There are other entities that may be associated with cell sites as wellincluding engineering firms, installation contractors, and the like. Allof these entities have a need for the various UAV-based systems andmethods described herein. Specifically, cell site owners can use thesystems and methods for real estate management functions, auditfunctions, etc. Cell site operators can use the systems and methods forequipment audits, troubleshooting, site engineering, etc. Of course, thesystems and methods described herein can be provided by an engineeringfirm or the like contracted to any of the above entities or the like.The systems and methods described herein provide these entities timesavings, increased safety, better accuracy, lower cost, and the like. §10.0 3D Modeling Systems and Methods With UAVs

Referring to FIG. 8, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustratesthe cell site 10 and an associated launch configuration and flight forthe UAV 50 to obtain photos for a 3D model of the cell site 10. Again,the cell site 10, the cell tower 12, the cell site components 14, etc.are as described herein. To develop a 3D model, the UAV 50 is configuredto take various photos during flight, at different angles, orientations,heights, etc. to develop a 360-degree view. For post-processing, it isimportant to differentiate between different photos accurately. Invarious exemplary embodiments, the systems and methods utilize accuratelocation tracking for each photo taken. It is important for accuratecorrelation between photos to enable construction of a 3D model from aplurality of 2D photos. The photos can all include multiple locationidentifiers (i.e., where the photo was taken from, height and exactlocation). In an exemplary embodiment, the photos can each include atleast two distinct location identifiers, such as from GPS or GLONASS.GLONASS is a “GLObal NAvigation Satellite System” which is a space-basedsatellite navigation system operating in the radio navigation-satelliteservice and used by the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces. It provides analternative to GPS and is the second alternative navigational system inoperation with global coverage and of comparable precision. The locationidentifiers are tagged or embedded to each photo and indicative of thelocation of the UAV 50 where and when the photo was taken. Theselocation identifiers are used with objects of interest identified in thephoto during post-processing to create the 3D model.

In fact, it was determined that location identifier accuracy is veryimportant in the post-processing for creating the 3D model. One suchdetermination was that there are slight inaccuracies in the locationidentifiers when the UAV 50 is launched from a different location and/ororientation. Thus, to provide further accuracy for the locationidentifiers, each flight of the UAV 50 is constrained to land and departfrom a same location and orientation. For example, future flights of thesame cell site 10 or additional flights at the same time when the UAV 50lands and, e.g., has a battery change. To ensure the same locationand/or orientation in subsequent flights at the cell site 10, a zoneindicator 800 is set at the cell site 10, such as on the ground via somemarking (e.g., chalk, rope, white powder, etc.). Each flight at the cellsite 10 for purposes of obtaining photos for 3D modeling is done usingthe zone indicator 800 to land and launch the UAV 50. Based onoperations, it was determined that using conventional UAVs 50; the zoneindicator 800 provides significantly more accuracy in locationidentifier readings. Accordingly, the photos are accurately identifiedrelative to one another and able to create an extremely accurate 3Dmodel of all physical features of the cell site 10. Thus, in anexemplary embodiment, all UAV 50 flights are from the same launch pointand orientation to avoid calibration issues with any location identifiertechnique. The zone indicator 800 can also be marked on the 3D model forfuture flights at the cell site 10. Thus, the use of the zone indicator800 for the same launch location and orientation along with the multiplelocation indicators provide more precision in the coordinates for theUAV 50 to correlate the photos.

Note, in other exemplary embodiments, the zone indicator 800 may beomitted, or the UAV 50 can launch from additional points, such that thedata used for the 3D model is only based on a single flight. The zoneindicator 800 is advantageous when data is collected over time or whenthere are landings in flight.

Once the zone indicator 800 is established, the UAV 50 is placed thereinin a specific orientation (orientation is arbitrary so long as the sameorientation is continually maintained). The orientation refers to whichway the UAV 50 is facing at launch and landing. Once the UAV 50 is inthe zone indicator 800, the UAV 50 can be flown up (denoted by line 802)the cell tower 12. Note, the UAV 50 can use the aforementioned flightconstraints to conform to FAA regulations or exemptions. Once at acertain height and certain distance from the cell tower 12 and the cellsite components 14, the UAV 50 can take a circular or 360-degree flightpattern about the cell tower 12, including flying up as well as aroundthe cell tower 12 (denoted by line 804).

During the flight, the UAV 50 is configured to take various photos ofdifferent aspects of the cell site 10 including the cell tower 12, thecell site components 14, as well as surrounding area. These photos areeach tagged or embedded with multiple location identifiers. It has alsobeen determined that the UAV 50 should be flown at a certain distancebased on its camera capabilities to obtain the optimal photos, i.e., nottoo close or too far from objects of interest. The UAV 50 in a givenflight can take hundreds or even thousands of photos, each with theappropriate location identifiers. For an accurate 3D model, at leasthundreds of photos are required. The UAV 50 can be configured to takepictures automatically are given intervals during the flight, and theflight can be a preprogrammed trajectory around the cell site 10.Alternatively, the photos can be manually taken based on operatorcommands. Of course, a combination is also contemplated. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 can include preprocessing capabilitieswhich monitor photos taken to determine a threshold after which enoughphotos have been taken to construct the 3D model accurately.

Referring to FIG. 9, in an exemplary embodiment, a satellite viewillustrates an exemplary flight of the UAV 50 at the cell site 10. Note,photos are taken at locations marked with circles in the satellite view.Note, the flight of the UAV 50 can be solely to construct the 3D model,or as part of the cell site audit 40 described herein. Also note, theexemplary flight allows photos at different locations, angles,orientations, etc. such that the 3D model not only includes the celltower 12, but also the surrounding geography.

Referring to FIG. 10, in an exemplary embodiment, a side viewillustrates an exemplary flight of the UAV 50 at the cell site 10.Similar to FIG. 9, FIG. 10 shows circles in the side view at locationswhere photos were taken. Note, photos are taken at different elevations,orientations, angles, and locations.

The photos are stored locally in the UAV 50 and/or transmittedwirelessly to a mobile device, controller, server, etc. Once the flightis complete, and the photos are provided to an external device from theUAV 50 (e.g., mobile device, controller, server, cloud service, or thelike), post-processing occurs to combine the photos or “stitch” themtogether to construct the 3D model. While described separately, thepost-processing could occur in the UAV 50 provided its computing poweris capable.

Referring to FIG. 11, in an exemplary embodiment, a logical diagramillustrates a portion of a cell tower 12 along with associated photostaken by the UAV 50 at different points relative thereto. Specifically,various 2D photos are logically shown at different locations relative tothe cell tower 12 to illustrate the location identifiers and thestitching together of the photos.

Referring to FIG. 12, in an exemplary embodiment, a screen shotillustrates a Graphic User Interface (GUI) associated withpost-processing photos from the UAV 50. Again, once the UAV 50 hascompleted taking photos of the cell site 10, the photos arepost-processed to form a 3D model. The systems and methods contemplateany software program capable of performing photogrammetry. In theexample of FIG. 12, there are 128 total photos. The post-processingincludes identifying visible points across the multiple points, i.e.,objects of interest. For example, the objects of interest can be any ofthe cell site components 14, such as antennas. The post-processingidentifies the same object of interest across different photos, withtheir corresponding location identifiers, and builds a 3D model based onmultiple 2D photos.

Referring to FIG. 13, in an exemplary embodiment, a screen shotillustrates a 3D model constructed from a plurality of 2D photos takenfrom the UAV 50 as described herein. Note, the 3D model can be displayedon a computer or another type of processing device, such as via anapplication, a Web browser, or the like. The 3D model supports zoom,pan, tilt, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 14-19, in various exemplary embodiments, variousscreenshots illustrate GUIs associated with a 3D model of a cell sitebased on photos taken from the UAV 50 as described herein. FIG. 14 is aGUI illustrating an exemplary measurement of an object, i.e., the celltower 12, in the 3D model. Specifically, using a point and clickoperation, one can click on two points such as the top and bottom of thecell tower and the 3D model can provide a measurement, e.g., 175′ inthis example. FIG. 15 illustrates a close-up view of a cell sitecomponent 14 such as an antenna and a similar measurement made thereonusing point and click, e.g., 4.55′ in this example. FIGS. 16 and 17illustrate an aerial view in the 3D model showing surrounding geographyaround the cell site 10. From these views, the cell tower 12 isillustrated with the surrounding environment including the structures,access road, fall line, etc. Specifically, the 3D model can assist indetermining a fall line which is anywhere in the surroundings of thecell site 10 where the cell tower 12 may fall. Appropriateconsiderations can be made based thereon.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate the 3D model and associated photos on theright side. One useful aspect of the 3D model GUI is an ability to clickanywhere on the 3D model and bring up corresponding 2D photos. Here, anoperator can click anywhere and bring up full-sized photos of the area.Thus, with the systems and methods described herein, the 3D model canmeasure and map the cell site 10 and surrounding geography along withthe cell tower 12, the cell site components 14, etc. to form acomprehensive 3D model. There are various uses of the 3D model toperform cell site audits including checking tower grounding; sizing andplacement of antennas, piping, and other cell site components 14;providing engineering drawings; determining characteristics such asantenna azimuths; and the like.

Referring to FIG. 2021, in an exemplary embodiment, a photo illustratesthe UAV 50 in flight at the top of a cell tower 12. As described herein,it was determined that the optimum distance to photograph the cell sitecomponents 14 is about 10′ to 40′ distance.

Referring to FIG. 21, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a process 850 for modeling a cell site with an UnmannedAerial Vehicle (UAV). The process 850 includes causing the UAV to fly agiven flight path about a cell tower at the cell site, wherein a launchlocation and launch orientation is defined for the UAV to take off andland at the cell site such that each flight at the cell site has thesame launch location and launch orientation (step 852); obtaining aplurality of photographs of the cell site during about the flight plane,wherein each of the plurality of photographs is associated with one ormore location identifiers (step 854); and, subsequent to the obtaining,processing the plurality of photographs to define a three dimensional(3D) model of the cell site based on the associated with one or morelocation identifiers and one or more objects of interest in theplurality of photographs (step 856).

The process 850 can further include landing the UAV at the launchlocation in the launch orientation; performing one or more operations onthe UAV, such as changing a battery; and relaunching the UAV from thelaunch location in the launch orientation to obtain additionalphotographs. The one or more location identifiers can include at leasttwo location identifiers including Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)and GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS). The flight plan can beconstrained to an optimum distance from the cell tower. The plurality ofphotographs can be obtained automatically during the flight plan whileconcurrently performing a cell site audit of the cell site. The process850 can further include providing a graphical user interface (GUI) ofthe 3D model; and using the GUI to perform a cell site audit. Theprocess 850 can further include providing a graphical user interface(GUI) of the 3D model; and using the GUI to measure various componentsat the cell site. The process 850 can further include providing agraphical user interface (GUI) of the 3D model; and using the GUI toobtain photographs of the various components at the cell site.

§ 11.1 3D Modeling Systems and Methods Without UAVs

The above description explains 3D modeling and photo data capture usingthe UAV 50. Additionally, the photo data capture can be through othermeans, including portable cameras, fixed cameras, heads-up displays(HUD), head-mounted cameras, and the like. That is the systems andmethods described herein contemplate the data capture through anyavailable technique. The UAV 50 will be difficult to obtain photosinside the buildings, i.e., the shelter or cabinet 52. Referring to FIG.22, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates an exemplaryinterior 900 of a building 902, such as the shelter or cabinet 52, atthe cell site 10. Generally, the building 902 houses equipmentassociated with the cell site 10 such as wireless RF terminals 910(e.g., LTE terminals), wireless backhaul equipment 912, powerdistribution 914, and the like. Generally, wireless RF terminals 910connect to the cell site components 14 for providing associated wirelessservice. The wireless backhaul equipment 912 includes networkingequipment to bring the associated wireless service signals to a wirelinenetwork, such as via fiber optics or the like. The power distribution914 provides power for all of the equipment such as from the grid aswell as a battery backup to enable operation in the event of powerfailures. Of course, additional equipment and functionality arecontemplated in the interior 900.

The terminals 910, equipment 912, and the power distribution 914 can berealized as rack or frame mounted hardware with cabling 916 and withassociated modules 918. The modules 918 can be pluggable modules whichare selectively inserted in the hardware and each can include uniqueidentifiers 920 such as barcodes, Quick Response (QR) codes, RFIdentification (RFID), physical labeling, color coding, or the like.Each module 918 can be unique with a serial number, part number, and/orfunctional identifier. The modules 918 are configured as needed toprovide the associated functionality of the cell site.

The systems and methods include, in addition to the aforementioned photocapture via the UAV 50, photo data capture in the interior 900 for 3Dmodeling and for virtual site surveys. The photo data capture can beperformed by a fixed, rotatable camera 930 located in the interior 900.The camera 930 can be communicatively coupled to a Data CommunicationNetwork (DCN), such as through the wireless backhaul equipment 912 orthe like. The camera 930 can be remotely controlled, such as by anengineer performing a site survey from his or her office. Othertechniques of photo data capture can include an on-site techniciantaking photos with a camera and uploading them to a cloud service or thelike. Again, the systems and methods contemplate any type of datacapture.

Again, with a plurality of photos, e.g., hundreds, it is possible toutilize photogrammetry to create a 3D model of the interior 900 (as wellas a 3D model of the exterior as described above). The 3D model iscreated using physical cues in the photos to identify objects ofinterest, such as the modules 918, the unique identifiers 920, or thelike. Note, the location identifiers described relative to the UAV 50are less effective in the interior 900 given the enclosed, interiorspace and the closer distances.

§ 12.0 Virtual Site Survey

Referring to FIG. 23, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a virtual site survey process 950 for the cell site 10. Thevirtual site survey process 950 is associated with the cell site 10 andutilizes three-dimensional (3D) models for remote performance, i.e., atan office as opposed to in the field. The virtual site survey process950 includes obtaining a plurality of photographs of a cell siteincluding a cell tower and one or more buildings and interiors thereof(step 952); subsequent to the obtaining, processing the plurality ofphotographs to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell sitebased on one or more objects of interest in the plurality of photographs(step 954); and remotely performing a site survey of the cell siteutilizing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the 3D model to collectand obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower, the one ormore buildings, and the interiors thereof (step 956). The 3D model is acombination of an exterior of the cell site including the cell tower andassociated cell site components thereon, geography local to the cellsite, and the interiors of the one or more buildings at the cell site,and the 3D model can include detail at a module level in the interiors.

The remotely performing the site survey can include determiningequipment location on the cell tower and in the interiors; measuringdistances between the equipment and within the equipment to determineactual spatial location; and determining connectivity between theequipment based on associated cabling. The remotely performing the sitesurvey can include planning for one or more of new equipment and changesto existing equipment at the cell site through drag and drop operationsin the GUI, wherein the GUI includes a library of equipment for the dragand drop operations; and, subsequent to the planning, providing a listof the one or more of the new equipment and the changes to the existingequipment based on the library, for implementation thereof. The remotelyperforming the site survey can include providing one or more of thephotographs of an associated area of the 3D model responsive to anoperation in the GUI. The virtual site survey process 950 can includerendering a texture map of the interiors responsive to an operation inthe GUI.

The virtual site survey process 950 can include performing an inventoryof equipment at the cell site including cell site components on the celltower and networking equipment in the interiors, wherein the inventoryfrom the 3D model uniquely identifies each of the equipment based onassociated unique identifiers. The remotely performing the site surveycan include providing an equipment visual in the GUI of a rack and allassociated modules therein. The obtaining can include the UAV 50obtaining the photographs on the cell tower, and the obtaining includesone or more of a fixed and portable camera obtaining the photographs inthe interior. The obtaining can be performed by an on-site technician atthe cell site, and the site survey can be remotely performed.

In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus adapted to perform avirtual site survey of a cell site utilizing three-dimensional (3D)models for remote performance includes a network interface and aprocessor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storinginstructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive, viathe network interface, a plurality of photographs of a cell siteincluding a cell tower and one or more buildings and interiors thereofprocess the plurality of photographs to define a three dimensional (3D)model of the cell site based on one or more objects of interest in theplurality of photographs, subsequent to receiving the photographs; andprovide a Graphical User Interface of the 3D model for remoteperformance of a site survey of the cell site utilizing the 3D model tocollect and obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower, theone or more buildings, and the interiors thereof.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer readablemedium includes instructions that, when executed, cause one or moreprocessors to perform the steps of receiving a plurality of photographsof a cell site including a cell tower and one or more buildings andinteriors thereof processing the plurality of photographs to define athree dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or moreobjects of interest in the plurality of photographs, subsequent toreceiving the photographs; and rendering a Graphical User Interface ofthe 3D model for remote performance of a site survey of the cell siteutilizing the 3D model to collect and obtain information about the cellsite, the cell tower, the one or more buildings, and the interiorsthereof.

The virtual site survey can perform anything remotely that traditionallywould have required on-site presence, including the various aspects ofthe cell site audit 40 described herein. The GUI of the 3D model can beused to check plumbing of coaxial cabling, connectivity of all cabling,automatic identification of cabling endpoints such as through uniqueidentifiers detected on the cabling, and the like. The GUI can furtherbe used to check power plant and batteries, power panels, physicalhardware, grounding, heating and air conditioning, generators, safetyequipment, and the like.

The 3D model can be utilized to automatically provide engineeringdrawings, such as responsive to the planning for new equipment orchanges to existing equipment. Here, the GUI can have a library ofequipment (e.g., approved equipment and vendor information can beperiodically imported into the GUI). Normal drag and drop operations inthe GUI can be used for equipment placement from the library. Also, theGUI system can include error checking, e.g., a particular piece ofequipment is incompatible with placement or in violation of policies,and the like.

§ 13.0 Close-Out Audit Systems and Methods

Again, a close-out audit is done to document and verify the workperformed at the cell site 10. The systems and methods eliminate theseparate third-party inspection firm for the close-out audit. Thesystems and methods include the installers (i.e., from the third-partyinstallation firm, the owner, the operator, etc.) performing videocapture subsequent to the installation and maintenance and using varioustechniques to obtain data from the video capture for the close-outaudit. The close-out audit can be performed off-site with the data fromthe video capture thereby eliminating unnecessary tower climbs, sitevisits, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 24, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a close-out audit method 1350 performed at a cell sitesubsequent to maintenance or installation work. The close-out auditmethod 1350 includes, subsequent to the maintenance or installationwork, obtaining video capture of cell site components associated withthe work (step 1352); subsequent to the video capture, processing thevideo capture to obtain data for the close-out audit, wherein theprocessing comprises identifying the cell site components associatedwith the work (step 1354); and creating a close-out audit package basedon the processed video capture, wherein the close-out audit packageprovides verification of the maintenance or installation work andoutlines that the maintenance or installation work was performed in amanner consistent with an operator or owner's guidelines (step 1356).

The video capture can be performed by a mobile device and one or more oflocally stored thereon and transmitted from the mobile device. The videocapture can also be performed by a mobile device which wirelesslytransmits a live video feed, and the video capture is remotely storedfrom the cell site. The video capture can also be performed by anUnmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flown at the cell site. Further, the videocapture can be a live video feed with two-way communication between aninstaller associated with the maintenance or installation work andpersonnel associated with the operator or owner to verify themaintenance or installation work. For example, the installer and thepersonnel can communicate to go through various items in the maintenanceor installation work to check/audit the work.

The close-out audit method 1350 can also include creating athree-dimensional (3D) model from the video capture; determiningequipment location from the 3D model; measuring distances between theequipment and within the equipment to determine actual spatial location;and determining connectivity between the equipment based on associatedcabling from the 3D model. The close-out audit method 1350 can alsoinclude uniquely identifying the cell site components from the videocapture and distinguishing in the close-out audit package. The close-outaudit method 1350 can also include determining antenna height, azimuth,and down tilt angles for antennas in the cell site components from thevideo capture; and checking the antenna height, azimuth, and down tiltangles against predetermined specifications.

The close-out audit method 1350 can also include identifying cabling andconnectivity between the cell site components from the video capture anddistinguishing in the close-out audit package. The close-out auditmethod 1350 can also include checking a plurality of factors in theclose-out audit from the video capture compared to the operator orowner's guidelines. The close-out audit method 1350 can also includechecking the grounding of the cell site components from the videocapture, comparing the checked grounding to the operator or owner'sguidelines and distinguishing in the close-out audit package. Theclose-out audit method 1350 can also include checking mechanicalconnectivity of the cell site components to a cell tower based on thevideo capture and distinguishing in the close-out audit package.

In another exemplary embodiment, a system adapted for a close-out auditof a cell site subsequent to maintenance or installation work includes anetwork interface and a processor communicatively coupled to oneanother; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause theprocessor to, subsequent to the maintenance or installation work, obtainvideo capture of cell site components associated with the work;subsequent to the video capture, process the video capture to obtaindata for the close-out audit, wherein the processing comprisesidentifying the cell site components associated with the work; andcreate a close-out audit package based on the processed video capture,wherein the close-out audit package provides verification of themaintenance or installation work and outlines that the maintenance orinstallation work was performed in a manner consistent with an operatoror owner's guidelines.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer readablemedium includes instructions that, when executed, cause one or moreprocessors to perform the steps of, subsequent to the maintenance orinstallation work, obtaining video capture of cell site componentsassociated with the work; subsequent to the video capture, processingthe video capture to obtain data for the close-out audit, wherein theprocessing comprises identifying the cell site components associatedwith the work; and creating a close-out audit package based on theprocessed video capture, wherein the close-out audit package providesverification of the maintenance or installation work and outlines thatthe maintenance or installation work was performed in a mannerconsistent with an operator or owner's guidelines.

The close-out audit package can include, without limitation, drawings,cell site component settings, test results, equipment lists, pictures,commissioning data, GPS data, Antenna height, azimuth and down tiltdata, equipment data, serial numbers, cabling, etc.

§ 14.0 3D Modeling Systems and Methods

Referring to FIG. 25, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a 3D modeling method 1400 to detect configuration and sitechanges. The 3D modeling method 1400 utilizes various techniques toobtain data, to create 3D models, and to detect changes inconfigurations and surroundings. The 3D models can be created at two ormore different points in time, and with the different 3D models, acomparison can be made to detect the changes. Advantageously, the 3Dmodeling systems and methods allow cell site operators to manage thecell sites without repeated physical site surveys efficiently.

The modeling method 1400 includes obtaining first data regarding thecell site from a first audit performed using one or more dataacquisition techniques and obtaining second data regarding the cell sitefrom a second audit performed using the one or more data acquisitiontechniques, wherein the second audit is performed at a different timethan the first audit, and wherein the first data and the second dataeach comprise one or more location identifiers associated therewith(step 1402); processing the first data to define a first model of thecell site using the associated one or more location identifiers andprocessing the second data to define a second model of the cell siteusing the associated one or more location identifiers (step 1404);comparing the first model with the second model to identify the changesin or at the cell site (step 1406); and performing one or more actionsbased on the identified changes (step 1408).

The one or more actions can include any remedial or corrective actionsincluding maintenance, landscaping, mechanical repair, licensing fromoperators who install more cell site components 14 than agreed upon, andthe like. The identified changes can be associated with cell sitecomponents installed on a cell tower at the cell site, and wherein theone or more actions comprises any of maintenance, licensing withoperators, and removal. The identified changes can be associated withphysical surroundings of the cell site, and wherein the one or moreactions comprise maintenance to correct the identified changes. Theidentified changes can include any of degradation of gravel roads, treesobstructing a cell tower, physical hazards at the cell site, andmechanical issues with the cell tower or a shelter at the cell site.

The first data and the second data can be obtained remotely, without atower climb. The first model and the second model each can include athree-dimensional model of the cell site, displayed in a Graphical UserInterface (GUI). The one or more data acquisition techniques can includeusing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to capture the first data and thesecond data. The one or more data acquisition techniques can includeusing a fixed or portable camera to capture the first data and thesecond data. The one or more location identifiers can include at leasttwo location identifiers comprising Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)and GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS). The second model canbe created using the first model as a template for expected objects atthe cell site.

In another exemplary embodiment, a modeling system adapted for detectingchanges in or at a cell site includes a network interface and aprocessor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storinginstructions that, when executed, cause the processor to obtain firstdata regarding the cell site from a first audit performed using one ormore data acquisition techniques and obtain second data regarding thecell site from a second audit performed using the one or more dataacquisition techniques, wherein the second audit is performed at adifferent time than the first audit, and wherein the first data and thesecond data each comprise one or more location identifiers associatedtherewith; process the first data to define a first model of the cellsite using the associated one or more location identifiers and processthe second data to define a second model of the cell site using theassociated one or more location identifiers; compare the first modelwith the second model to identify the changes in or at the cell site;and cause performance of one or more actions based on the identifiedchanges.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer readablemedium includes instructions that, when executed, cause one or moreprocessors to perform the steps of obtaining first data regarding thecell site from a first audit performed using one or more dataacquisition techniques and obtaining second data regarding the cell sitefrom a second audit performed using the one or more data acquisitiontechniques, wherein the second audit is performed at a different timethan the first audit, and wherein the first data and the second dataeach comprise one or more location identifiers associated therewith;processing the first data to define a first model of the cell site usingthe associated one or more location identifiers and processing thesecond data to define a second model of the cell site using theassociated one or more location identifiers; comparing the first modelwith the second model to identify the changes in or at the cell site;and performing one or more actions based on the identified changes.

§ 15.0 3D Modeling Data Capture Systems and Methods

Again, various exemplary embodiments herein describe applications anduses of 3D models of the cell site 10 and the cell tower 12. Further, ithas been described using the UAV 50 to obtain data capture for creatingthe 3D model. The data capture systems and methods described hereinprovide various techniques and criteria for properly capturing images orvideo using the UAV 50. Referring to FIG. 26, in an exemplaryembodiment, a flow diagram illustrates a 3D model creation process 1700.The 3D model creation process 1700 is implemented on a server or thelike. The 3D model creation process 1700 includes receiving input data,i.e., pictures and/or video. The data capture systems and methodsdescribe various techniques for obtaining the pictures and/or videousing the UAV 50 at the cell site 10. In an exemplary embodiment, thepictures can be at least 10 megapixels, and the video can be at least 4k high definition video.

The 3D model creation process 1700 performs initial processing on theinput data (step 1702). An output of the initial processing includes asparse point cloud, a quality report, and an output file can be cameraoutputs. The sparse point cloud is processed into a point cloud and mesh(step 1704) providing a densified point cloud and 3D outputs. The 3Dmodel is an output of the step 1704. Other models can be developed byfurther processing the densified point cloud (step 1706) to provide aDigital Surface Model (DSM), an orthomosaic, tiles, contour lines, etc.

The data capture systems and methods include capturing thousands ofimages or video which can be used to provide images. Referring to FIG.27, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustrates a method 1750using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to obtain data capture at a cellsite for developing a three dimensional (3D) thereof. The method 1750includes causing the UAV to fly a given flight path about a cell towerat the cell site (step 1752); obtaining data capture during the flightpath about the cell tower, wherein the data capture comprises aplurality of photos or video, wherein the flight path is subjected to aplurality of constraints for the obtaining, and wherein the data capturecomprises one or more location identifiers (step 1754); and, subsequentto the obtaining, processing the data capture to define a threedimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or more objects ofinterest in the data capture (step 1756).

The method 1750 can further include remotely performing a site survey ofthe cell site utilizing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the 3D modelto collect and obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower,one or more buildings, and interiors thereof (step 1758). As a launchlocation and launch orientation can be defined for the UAV to take offand land at the cell site such that each flight at the cell site has thesame launch location and launch orientation. The one or more locationidentifiers can include at least two location identifiers includingGlobal Positioning Satellite (GPS) and GLObal NAvigation SatelliteSystem (GLONASS).

The plurality of constraints can include each flight of the UAV having asimilar lighting condition and at about a same time of day.Specifically, the data capture can be performed on different days ortimes to update the 3D model. Importantly, the method 1750 can requirethe data capture in the same lighting conditions, e.g., sunny, cloudy,etc., and at about the same time of day to account for shadows.

The data capture can include a plurality of photographs each with atleast 10 megapixels and wherein the plurality of constraints can includeeach photograph having at least 75% overlap with another photograph.Specifically, the significant overlap allows for ease in processing tocreate the 3D model. The data capture can include a video with at least4 k high definition and wherein the plurality of constraints can includecapturing a screen from the video as a photograph having at least 75%overlap with another photograph captured from the video.

The plurality of constraints can include a plurality of flight pathsaround the cell tower with each of the plurality of flight paths at oneor more of different elevations, different camera angles, and differentfocal lengths for a camera. The plurality of flight paths can be one ofa first flight path at a first height and a camera angle and a secondflight path at a second height and the camera angle; and a first flightpath at the first height and a first camera angle and a second flightpath at the first height and a second camera angle. The plurality offlight paths can be substantially circular around the cell tower.

In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus adapted to obtain datacapture at a cell site for developing a three dimensional (3D) thereofincludes a network interface and a processor communicatively coupled toone another; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, causethe processor to cause the UAV to fly a given flight path about a celltower at the cell site; cause data capture during the flight path aboutthe cell tower, wherein the data capture comprises a plurality of photosor video, wherein the flight path is subjected to a plurality ofconstraints for the data capture, and wherein the data capture comprisesone or more location identifiers; and, subsequent to the data capture,process the data capture to define a three dimensional (3D) model of thecell site based on one or more objects of interest in the data capture.

§ 15.1 3D Methodology for Cell Sites

Referring to FIG. 28, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a 3D modeling method 1800 for capturing data at the cellsite 10, the cell tower 12, etc. using the UAV 50. The method 1800, inaddition to or in combination with the method 1750, provides varioustechniques for accurately capturing data for building a point cloudgenerated a 3D model of the cell site 10. First, the data acquisition,i.e., the performance of the method 1800, should be performed in theearly morning or afternoon such that nothing is overexposed and there isa minimum reflection off of the cell tower 12. It is also important tohave a low Kp Index level to minimize the disruption of geomagneticactivity on the UAV's GPS unit, sub level six is adequate for 3Dmodeling as described in this claim. Of course, it is also important toensure the camera lenses on the UAV 50 are clean prior to launch. Thiscan be done by cleaning the lenses with alcohol and a wipe. Thus, themethod 1800 includes preparing the UAV 50 for flight and programming anautonomous flight path about the cell tower 12 (step 1802).

The UAV 50 flight about the cell tower 12 at the cell site 10 can beautonomous, i.e., automatic without manual control of the actual flightplan in real-time. The advantage here with autonomous flight is theflight of the UAV 50 is circular as opposed to a manual flight which canbe more elliptical, oblong, or have gaps in data collection, etc. In anexemplary embodiment, the autonomous flight of the UAV 50 can capturedata equidistance around the planned circular flight path by using aPoint of Interest (POI) flight mode. The POI flight mode is selected(either before or after takeoff), and once the UAV 50 is in flight, anoperator can select a point of interest from a view of the UAV 50, suchas but not limited to via the mobile device 100 which is incommunication with the UAV 50. The view is provided by the camera 86,and the UAV 50 in conjunction with the device identifier to be incommunication with the UAV 50 can determine a flight plan about thepoint of interest. In the method 1800, the point of interest can be thecell tower 12. The point of interest can be selected at an appropriatealtitude and once selected, the UAV 50 circles in flight about the pointof interest. Further, the radius, altitude, direction, and speed can beset for the point of interest flight as well as a number of repetitionsof the circle. Advantageously, the point of interest flight path in acircle provides an even distance about the cell tower 12 for obtainingphotos and video thereof for the 3D model. In an exemplary embodiment ofa tape drop model, the UAV 50 will perform four orbits about a monopolecell tower 12 and about five or six orbits about a self-support/guyedcell tower 12. In the exemplary embodiment of a structural analysismodel, the number of orbits will be increased from 2 to 3 times toacquire the data needed to construct a more realistic graphic userinterface model.

Additionally, the preparation can also include focusing the camera 86 inits view of the cell tower 12 to set the proper exposure. Specifically,if the camera 86's view is too bright or too dark, the 3D modelingsoftware will have issues in matching pictures or frames together tobuild the 3D model.

Once the preparation is complete and the flight path is set (step 1802),the UAV 50 flies in a plurality of orbits about the cell tower 12 (step1804). The UAV obtains photos and/or video of the cell tower 12 and thecell site components 14 during each of the plurality of orbits (step1806). Note, each of the plurality of orbits has differentcharacteristics for obtaining the photos and/or video. Finally, photosand/or video is used to define a 3D model of the cell site 10 (step1808).

For the plurality of orbits, a first orbit is around the entire cellsite 10 to cover the entire cell tower 12 and associated surroundings.For monopole cell towers 12, the radius of the first orbit willtypically range from 100 to 150 ft. For self-support cell towers 12, theradius can be up to 200 ft. The UAV 50's altitude should be slightlyhigher than that of the cell tower for the first orbit. The camera 86should be tilted slightly down capturing more ground in the backgroundthan sky to provide more texture helping the software match the photos.The first orbit should be at a speed of about 4 ft/second (this providesa good speed for battery efficiency and photo spacing). A photo shouldbe taken around every two seconds or at 80 percent overlap decreasingthe amount that edges and textures move from each photo. This allows thesoftware to relate those edge/texture points to each photo called tiepoints.

A second orbit of the plurality of orbits should be closer to theradiation centers of the cell tower 12, typically 30 to 50 ft with analtitude still slightly above the cell tower 12 with the camera 86pointing downward. The operator should make sure all the cell sitecomponents 12 and antennas are in the frame including those on theopposite side of the cell tower 12. This second orbit will allow the 3Dmodel to create better detail on the structure and equipment in betweenthe antennas and the cell site components 14. This will allowcontractors to make measurements on equipment between those antennas.The orbit should be done at a speed around 2.6 ft/second and still takephotos close to every 2 seconds or keeping an 80 percent overlap.

A third orbit of the plurality of orbits has a lower altitude to aroundthe mean distance between all of the cell site components 14 (e.g.,Radio Access Devices (RADs)). With the lower altitude, the camera 86 israised up such as 5 degrees or more because the ground will have movedup in the frame. This new angle and altitude will allow a full profileof all the antennas and the cell site components 14 to be captured. Theorbit will still have a radius around 30 to 50 ft with a speed of about2.6 ft/second.

The next orbit should be for a self-support cell tower 12. Here, theorbit is expanded to around 50 to 60 ft, and the altitude decreasedslightly below the cell site components 14 and the camera 86 angledslightly down more capturing all of the cross barring of theself-support structure. All of the structure to the ground does not needto be captured for this orbit but close to it. The portion close to theground will be captured in the next orbit. However, there needs to beclear spacing in whatever camera angle is chosen. The cross members inthe foreground should be spaced enough for the cross members on theother side of the cell tower 12 to be visible. This is done forself-support towers 12 because of the complexity of the structure andthe need for better detail which is not needed for monopoles in thisarea. The first orbit for monopoles provides more detail because theyare at a closer distance with the cell towers 12 lower height. The speedof the orbit can be increased to around 3 ft/second with the samespacing.

The last orbit for all cell towers 12 should have an increased radius toaround 60 to 80 ft with the camera 86 looking more downward at the cellsite 10. The altitude should be decreased to get closer to the cell site10 compound. The altitude should be around 60 to 80 ft but will changeslightly depending on the size of the cell site 10 compound. The angleof the camera 86 with the altitude should be such as where the sides andtops of structures such as the shelters will be visible throughout theorbit. It is important to make sure the whole cell site 10 compound isin the frame for the entire orbit allowing the capture of every side ofeverything inside the compound including the fencing. The speed of theorbit should be around 3.5 ft/second with same photo time spacing andoverlap.

The total amount of photos that should be taken for a monopole celltower 12 should be around 300-400 and the total amount of photos forself-support cell tower 12 should be between 400-500 photos. Too manyphotos can indicate that the photos were taken too close together.Photos taken in succession with more than 80 percent overlap can causeerrors in the processing of the model and cause extra noise around thedetails of the tower and lower the distinguishable parts for thesoftware.

§ 16.0 3D Modeling Data Capture Systems and Methods Using MultipleCameras

Referring to FIGS. 29A and 29B, in an exemplary embodiment, blockdiagrams illustrate a UAV 50 with multiple cameras 86A, 86B, 86C (FIG.29A) and a camera array 1900 (FIG. 29B). The UAV 50 can include themultiple cameras 86A, 86B, 86C which can be located physically apart onthe UAV 50. In another exemplary embodiment, the multiple cameras 86A,86B, 86C can be in a single housing. In all embodiments, each of themultiple cameras 86A, 86B, 86C can be configured to take a picture of adifferent location, different area, different focus, etc. That is, thecameras 86A, 86B, 86C can be angled differently, have a different focus,etc. The objective is for the cameras 86A, 86B, 86C together to cover alarger area than a single camera 86. In a conventional approach for 3Dmodeling, the camera 86 is configured to take hundreds of pictures forthe 3D model. For example, as described with respect to the 3D modelingmethod 1800, 300-500 pictures are required for an accurate 3D model. Inpractice, using the limitations described in the 3D modeling method1800, this process, such as with the UAV 50, can take hours. It is theobjective of the systems and methods with multiple cameras to streamlinethis process such as reduce this time by half or more. The cameras 86A,86B, 86C are coordinated and communicatively coupled to one another andthe processor 102.

In FIG. 29B, the camera array 1900 includes a plurality of cameras 1902.Each of the cameras 1902 can be individual cameras each with its ownsettings, i.e., angle, zoom, focus, etc. The camera array 1900 can bemounted on the UAV 50, such as the camera 86. The camera array 1900 canalso be portable, mounted on or at the cell site 10, and the like.

In the systems and methods herein, the cameras 86A, 86B, 86C and thecamera array 1900 are configured to work cooperatively to obtainpictures to create a 3D model. In an exemplary embodiment, the 3D modelis a cell site 10. As described herein, the systems and methods utilizeat least two cameras, e.g., the cameras 86A, 86B, or two cameras 1902 inthe camera array 1900. Of course, there can be greater than two cameras.The multiple cameras are coordinated such that one event where picturesare taken produce at least two pictures. Thus, to capture 300-500pictures, less than 150-250 pictures are actually taken.

Referring to FIG. 30, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a method 1950 using multiple cameras to obtain accuratethree-dimensional (3D) modeling data. In the method 1950, the multiplecameras are used with the UAV 50, but other embodiments are alsocontemplated. The method 1950 includes causing the UAV to fly a givenflight path about a cell tower at the cell site (step 1952); obtainingdata capture during the flight path about the cell tower, wherein thedata capture includes a plurality of photos or video subject to aplurality of constraints, wherein the plurality of photos are obtainedby a plurality of cameras which are coordinated with one another (step1954); and, subsequent to the obtaining, processing the data capture todefine a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one ormore objects of interest in the data capture (step 1956). The method1950 can further include remotely performing a site survey of the cellsite utilizing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the 3D model tocollect and obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower, oneor more buildings, and interiors thereof (step 1958). The flight pathcan include a plurality of orbits comprising at least four orbits aroundthe cell tower each with a different set of characteristics of altitude,radius, and camera angle.

A launch location and launch orientation can be defined for the UAV totake off and land at the cell site such that each flight at the cellsite has the same launch location and launch orientation. The pluralityof constraints can include each flight of the UAV having a similarlighting condition and at about a same time of day. A total number ofphotos can include around 300-400 for the monopole cell tower and500-600 for the self-support cell tower, and the total number is takenconcurrently by the plurality of cameras. The data capture can include aplurality of photographs each with at least 10 megapixels and whereinthe plurality of constraints comprises each photograph having at least75% overlap with another photograph. The data capture can include avideo with at least 4 k high definition and wherein the plurality ofconstraints can include capturing a screen from the video as aphotograph having at least 75% overlap with another photograph capturedfrom the video. The plurality of constraints can include a plurality offlight paths around the cell tower with each of the plurality of flightpaths at one or more of different elevations and each of the pluralityof cameras with different camera angles and different focal lengths.

In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus adapted to obtain datacapture at a cell site for developing a three dimensional (3D) thereofincludes a network interface and a processor communicatively coupled toone another; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, causethe processor to cause the UAV to fly a given flight path about a celltower at the cell site; obtain data capture during the flight path aboutthe cell tower, wherein the data capture comprises a plurality of photosor video subject to a plurality of constraints, wherein the plurality ofphotos are obtained by a plurality of cameras which are coordinated withone another; and process the obtained data capture to define a threedimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or more objects ofinterest in the data capture.

In a further exemplary embodiment, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)adapted to obtain data capture at a cell site for developing a threedimensional (3D) thereof includes one or more rotors disposed to a body;a plurality of cameras associated with the body; wireless interfaces; aprocessor coupled to the wireless interfaces and the camera; and memorystoring instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to fly theUAV about a given flight path about a cell tower at the cell site;obtain data capture during the flight path about the cell tower, whereinthe data capture comprises a plurality of photos or video, wherein theplurality of photos are obtained by a plurality of cameras which arecoordinated with one another; and provide the obtained data for a serverto process the obtained data capture to define a three dimensional (3D)model of the cell site based on one or more objects of interest in thedata capture.

§ 17.0 Multiple Camera Apparatus and Process

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, in an exemplary embodiment, diagramsillustrate a multiple camera apparatus 2000 and use of the multiplecamera apparatus 2000 in the shelter or cabinet 52 or the interior 900of the building 902. As previously described herein, the camera 930 canbe used in the interior 900 for obtaining photos for 3D modeling and forvirtual site surveys. The multiple camera apparatus 2000 is animprovement to the camera 930, enabling multiple photos to be takensimultaneously of different views, angles, zoom, etc. In an exemplaryembodiment, the multiple camera apparatus 2000 can be operated by atechnician at the building 902 to quickly, efficiently, and properlyobtain photos for a 3D model of the interior 900. In another exemplaryembodiment, the multiple camera apparatus 2000 can be mounted in theinterior 900 and remotely controlled by an operator.

The multiple camera apparatus 2000 includes a post 2002 with a pluralityof cameras 2004 disposed or attached to the post 2002. The plurality ofcameras 2004 can be interconnected to one another and to a control unit2006 on the post. The control unit 2006 can include user controls tocause the cameras 2004 to each take a photo and memory for storing thephotos from the cameras 2004. The control unit 2006 can further includecommunication mechanisms to provide the captured photos to a system for3D modeling (either via a wired and/or wireless connection). In anexemplary embodiment, the post 2002 can be about 6′ and the cameras 2004can be positioned to enable data capture from the floor to the ceilingof the interior 900.

The multiple camera apparatus 2000 can include other physicalembodiments besides the post 2002. For example, the multiple cameraapparatus 2000 can include a box with the multiple cameras 2004 disposedtherein. In another example, the multiple camera apparatus 2000 caninclude a handheld device which includes the multiple cameras 2004.

The objective of the multiple camera apparatus 2000 is to enable atechnician (either on-site or remote) to quickly capture photos (throughthe use of the multiple cameras 2004) for a 3D model and to properlycapture the photos (through the multiple cameras 2004 have differentzooms, angles, etc.). That is, the multiple camera apparatus 2000ensures the photo capture is sufficient to accurately develop the 3Dmodel, avoiding potentially revisiting the building 902.

Referring to FIG. 33, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a data capture method 2050 in the interior 900 using themultiple camera apparatus 2000. The method 2050 includes obtaining orproviding the multiple camera apparatus 2000 at the shelter or cabinet52 or the interior 900 of the building 902 and positioning the multiplecamera apparatus 2000 therein (step 2052). The method 2050 furtherincludes causing the plurality of cameras 2004 to take photos based onthe positioning (step 2054) and repositioning the multiple cameraapparatus 2000 at a different location in the shelter or cabinet 52 orthe interior 900 of the building 902 to take additional photos (step2056). Finally, the photos taken by the cameras 2004 are provided to a3D modeling system to develop a 3D model of the shelter or cabinet 52 orthe interior 900 of the building 902, such as for a virtual site survey(step 2058).

The repositioning step 2056 can include moving the multiple cameraapparatus to each corner of the shelter, the cabinet, or the interior ofthe building. The repositioning step 2056 can include moving themultiple camera apparatus to each row of equipment in the shelter, thecabinet, or the interior of the building. The multiple camera apparatuscan include a pole with the plurality of cameras disposed thereon, eachof the plurality of cameras configured for a different view. Theplurality of cameras are communicatively coupled to a control unit forthe causing step 2054 and/or the providing step 2058. Each of theplurality of cameras can be configured on the multiple camera apparatusfor a different view, zoom, and/or angle. The method 2050 can includeanalyzing the photos subsequent to the repositioning; and determiningwhether the photos are suitable for the 3D model, and responsive to thephotos not being suitable for the 3D model, instructing a user to retakethe photos which are not suitable. The method 2050 can include combingthe photos of the shelter, the cabinet, or the interior of the buildingwith photos of a cell tower at the cell site, to form a 3D model of thecell site. The method 2050 can include performing a virtual site surveyof the cell site using the 3D model. The repositioning step 2056 can bebased on a review of the photos taken in the causing.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a method for obtaining data captureat a cell site for developing a three dimensional (3D) thereof includesobtaining or providing the multiple camera apparatus comprising aplurality of cameras at a shelter, a cabinet, or an interior of abuilding and positioning the multiple camera apparatus therein; causingthe plurality of cameras to simultaneously take photos based on thepositioning; repositioning the multiple camera apparatus at a differentlocation in the shelter, the cabinet, or the interior of the building totake additional photos; obtaining exterior photos of a cell towerconnect to the shelter, the cabinet, or the interior of the building;and providing the photos taken by the multiple camera apparatus and theexterior photos to a 3D modeling system to develop a 3D model of thecell site, for a virtual site survey thereof.

§ 18.0 Cell Site Verification Using 3D Modeling

Referring to FIG. 34, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a method 2100 for verifying equipment and structures at thecell site 10 using 3D modeling. As described herein, an intermediatestep in the creation of a 3D model includes a point cloud, e.g., asparse or dense point cloud. A point cloud is a set of data points insome coordinate system, e.g., in a three-dimensional coordinate system,these points are usually defined by X, Y, and Z coordinates, and can beused to represent the external surface of an object. Here, the objectcan be anything associated with the cell site 10, e.g., the cell tower12, the cell site components 14, etc. As part of the 3D model creationprocess, a large number of points on an object's surface are determined,and the output is a point cloud in a data file. The point cloudrepresents the set of points that the device has measured.

Various descriptions were presented herein for site surveys, close-outaudits, etc. In a similar manner, there is a need to continually monitorthe state of the cell site 10. Specifically, as described herein,conventional site monitoring techniques typically include tower climbs.The UAV 50 and the various approaches described herein provide safe andmore efficient alternatives to tower climbs. Additionally, the UAV 50can be used to provide cell site 10 verification to monitor for sitecompliance, structural or load issues, defects, and the like. The cellsite 10 verification can utilize point clouds to compare “before” and“after” data capture to detect differences.

With respect to site compliance, the cell site 10 is typically owned andoperated by a cell site operator (e.g., real estate company or the like)separate from cell service providers with their associated cell sitecomponents 14. The typical transaction includes leases between theseparties with specific conditions, e.g., the number of antennas, theamount of equipment, the location of equipment, etc. It is advantageousfor cell site operators to periodically audit/verify the state of thecell site 10 with respect to compliance, i.e., has cell service providerA added more cell site components 10 than authorized? Similarly, it isimportant for cell site operators to periodically check the cell site 10to proactively detect load issues (too much equipment on the structureof the cell tower 12), defects (equipment detached from the structure),etc.

One approach to verifying the cell site 10 is a site survey, includingthe various approaches to site surveys described herein, including theuse of 3D models for remote site surveys. In various exemplaryembodiments, the method 2100 provides a quick and automated mechanism toquickly detect concerns (i.e., compliance issues, defects, load issues,etc.) using point clouds. Specifically, the method 2100 includescreating an initial point cloud for a cell site 10 or obtaining theinitial point cloud from a database (step 2102). The initial point cloudcan represent a known good condition, i.e., with no compliance issues,load issues, defects, etc. For example, the initial point cloud could bedeveloped as part of the close-out audit, etc. The initial point cloudcan be created using the various data acquisition techniques describedherein using the UAV 50. Also, a database can be used to store theinitial point cloud.

The initial point cloud is loaded in a device, such as the UAV 50 (step2104). The point cloud data files can be stored in the memory in aprocessing device associated with the UAV 50. In an exemplaryembodiment, multiple point cloud data files can be stored in the UAV 50,allowing the UAV 50 to be deployed to perform the method 2100 at aplurality of cell sites 10. The device (UAV 50) can be used to develop asecond point cloud based on current conditions at the cell site 10 (step2106). Again, the UAV 50 can use the techniques described hereinrelative to data acquisition to develop the second point cloud. Note, itis preferable to use a similar data acquisition for both the initialpoint cloud and the second point cloud, e.g., similar takeofflocations/orientations, similar paths about the cell tower 12, etc. Thisensures similarity in the data capture. In an exemplary embodiment, theinitial point cloud is loaded to the UAV 50 along with instructions onhow to perform the data acquisition for the second point cloud. Thesecond point cloud is developed at a current time, i.e., when it isdesired to verify aspects associated with the cell site 10.

Variations are detected between the initial point cloud and the secondpoint cloud (step 2108). The variations could be detected by the UAV 50,in an external server, in a database, etc. The objective here is theinitial point cloud and the second point cloud provides a quick andefficient comparison to detect differences, i.e., variations. The method2100 includes determining if the variations are ant of compliancerelated, load issues, or defects (step 2110). Note, variations can besimply detected based on raw data differences between the point clouds.The step 2110 requires additional processing to determine what theunderlying differences are. In an exemplary embodiment, the variationsare detected in the UAV 50, and, if detected, additional processing isperformed by a server to actually determine the differences based oncreating a 3D model of each of the point clouds. Finally, the secondpoint cloud can be stored in the database for future processing (step2112). An operator of the cell site 10 can be notified via any techniqueof any determined variations or differences for remedial action basedthereon (addressing non-compliance, performing maintenance to fixdefects or load issues, etc.).

§ 19.0 Cell Site Audit and Survey Via Photo Stitching

Photo stitching or linking is a technique where multiple photos ofeither overlapping fields of view or adjacent fields of view are linkedtogether to produce a virtual view or segmented panorama of an area. Acommon example of this approach is the so-called Street view offered byonline map providers. In various exemplary embodiments, the systems andmethods enable a remote user to perform a cell site audit, survey, siteinspection, etc. using a User Interface (UI) with photostitching/linking to view the cell site 10. The various activities caninclude any of the aforementioned activities described herein. Further,the photos can also be obtained using any of the aforementionedtechniques. Of note, the photos required for a photo stitched UI aresignificantly less than those required by the 3D model. However, thephoto stitched UI can be based on the photos captured for the 3D model,e.g., a subset of the photos. Alternatively, the photo capture for thephoto stitched UI can be captured separately. Variously, the photos forthe UI are captured, and a linkage is provided between photos. Thelinkage allows a user to navigate between photos to view up, down, left,or right, i.e., to navigate the cell site 10 via the UI. The linkage canbe noted in a photo database with some adjacency indicator. The linkagecan be manually entered via a user reviewing the photos or automaticallybased on location tags associated with the photos.

Referring to FIG. 35, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustratesa photo stitching UI 2200 for cell site audits, surveys, inspections,etc. remotely. The UI 2200 is viewed by a computer accessing a databaseof a plurality of photos with the linkage between each other based onadjacency. The photos are of the cell site 10 and can include the celltower 12 and associated cell site components as well as interior photosof the shelter or cabinet 52 of the interior 900. The UI 2200 displays aphoto of the cell site 12 and the user can navigate to the left to aphoto 2202, to the right to a photo 2204, up to a photo 2206, or down toa photo 2208. The navigation between the photos 2202, 2204, 2206, 2208is based on the links between the photos. In an exemplary embodiment, anavigation icon 2210 is shown in the UI 2200 from which the user cannavigate the UI 2200. Also, the navigation can include opening andclosing a door to the shelter or cabinet 52.

In an exemplary embodiment, the UI 2200 can include one of the photos2202, 2204, 2206, 2208 at a time with the navigation moving to a nextphoto. In another exemplary embodiment, the navigation can scrollthrough the photos 2202, 2204, 2206, 2208 seamlessly. In eitherapproach, the UI 2200 allows virtual movement around the cell site 10remotely. The photos 2202, 2204, 2206, 2208 can each be ahigh-resolution photo, e.g., 8 megapixels or more. From the photos 2202,2204, 2206, 2208, the user can read labels on equipment, check cableruns, check equipment location and installation, check cabling, etc.Also, the user can virtually scale the cell tower 12 avoiding a towerclimb. An engineer can use the UI 2200 to perform site expansion, e.g.,where to install new equipment. Further, once the new equipment isinstalled, the associated photos can be updated to reflect the newequipment. It is not necessary to update all photos, but rather only thephotos of new equipment locations.

The photos 2202, 2204, 2206, 2208 can be obtained using the data capturetechniques described herein. The camera used for capturing the photoscan be a 180, 270, or 360-degree camera. These cameras typically includemultiple sensors allowing a single photo capture to capture a large viewwith a wide lens, fish eye lens, etc. The cameras can be mounted on theUAV 50 for capturing the cell tower 12, the multiple camera apparatus2000, etc. Also, the cameras can be the camera 930 in the interior 900.

Referring to FIG. 36, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a method 2300 for performing a cell site audit or surveyremotely via a User Interface (UI). The method 2300 includes, subsequentto capturing a plurality of photos of a cell site and linking theplurality of photos to one another based on their adjacency at the cellsite, displaying the UI to a user remote from the cell site, wherein theplurality of photos cover a cell tower with associated cell sitecomponents and an interior of a building at the cell site (step 2302);receiving navigation commands from the user performing the cell siteaudit or survey (step 2304); and updating the displaying based on thenavigation commands, wherein the navigation commands comprise one ormore of movement at the cell site and zoom of a current view (step2306). The capturing the plurality of photos can be performed for a celltower with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flying about the cell tower.The linking the plurality of photos can be performed one of manually andautomatically based on location identifiers associated with each photo.

The user performing the cell site audit or survey can includedetermining a down tilt angle of one or more antennas of the cell sitecomponents based on measuring three points comprising two defined byeach antenna and one by an associated support bar; determining plumb ofthe cell tower and/or the one or more antennas, azimuth of the one ormore antennas using a location determination in the photos; determiningdimensions of the cell site components; determining equipment type andserial number of the cell site components; and determining connectionsbetween the cell site components. The plurality of photos can becaptured concurrently with developing a three-dimensional (3D) model ofthe cell site. The updating the displaying can include providing a newphoto based on the navigation commands. The updating the displaying caninclude seamlessly panning between the plurality of photos based on thenavigation commands.

§ 20.0 Subterranean 3D Modeling

The foregoing descriptions provide techniques for developing a 3D modelof the cell site 10, the cell tower 12, the cell site components 14, theshelter or cabinet 52, the interior 900 of the building 902, etc. The 3Dmodel can be used for a cell site audit, survey, site inspection, etc.In addition, the 3D model can also include a subterranean model of thesurrounding area associated with the cell site 10. Referring to FIG. 37,in an exemplary embodiment, a perspective diagram illustrates a 3D model2400 of the cell site 10, the cell tower 12, the cell site components14, and the shelter or cabinet 52 along with surrounding geography 2402and subterranean geography 2404. Again, the 3D model 2400 of the cellsite 10, the cell tower 12, the cell site components 14, and the shelteror cabinet 52 along with a 3D model of the interior 900 can beconstructed using the various techniques described herein.

In various exemplary embodiments, the systems and methods extend the 3Dmodel 2400 to include the surrounding geography 2402 and thesubterranean geography 2404. The surrounding geography 2402 representsthe physical location around the cell site 10. This can include the celltower 12, the shelter or cabinet 52, access roads, etc. The subterraneangeography 2404 includes the area underneath the surrounding geography2402.

The 3D model 2400 portion of the surrounding geography 2402 and thesubterranean geography 2404 can be used by operators and cell site 10owners for a variety of purposes. First, the subterranean geography 2404can show locations of utility constructions including electrical lines,water/sewer lines, gas lines, etc. Knowledge of the utilityconstructions can be used in site planning and expansion, i.e., where tobuild new structures, where to run new underground utilityconstructions, etc. For example, it would make sense to avoid newabove-ground structures in the surrounding geography 2402 on top of gaslines or other utility constructions if possible. Second, thesubterranean geography 2404 can provide insight into various aspects ofthe cell site 10 such as depth of support for the cell tower 12, theability of the surrounding geography 2402 to support various structures,the health of the surrounding geography 2402, and the like. For example,for new cell site components 14 on the cell tower 12, the 3D model 2400can be used to determine whether there will be support issues, i.e., adepth of the underground concrete supports of the cell tower 12.

Data capture for the 3D model 2400 for the subterranean geography 2404can use various known 3D subterranean modeling techniques such as sonar,ultrasound, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and the like. Also, thedata capture for the 3D model 2400 can utilize external data sourcessuch as utility databases which can include the location of the utilityconstructions noted by location coordinates (e.g., GPS). In an exemplaryembodiment, the data capture can be verified with the external datasources, i.e., data from the external data sources can verify the datacapture using the 3D subterranean modeling techniques.

The 3D subterranean modeling techniques utilize a data capture devicebased on the associated technology. In an exemplary embodiment, the datacapture device can be on the UAV 50. In addition to performing the datacapture techniques described herein for the cell tower 12, the UAV 50can perform data capture by flying around the surrounding geography 2402with the data capture device aimed at the subterranean geography 2404.The UAV 50 can capture data for the 3D model 2400 for both the aboveground components and the subterranean geography 2404.

In another exemplary embodiment, the data capture device can be usedseparately from the UAV 50, such as via a human operator moving aboutthe surrounding geography 2402 aiming the data capture device at thesubterranean geography 2404, via a robot or the like with the datacapture device connected thereto, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 38, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a method 2400 for creating a three-dimensional (3D) model ofa cell site for one or more of a cell site audit, a site survey, andcell site planning and engineering. The method 2450 includes obtainingfirst data capture for above ground components including a cell tower,associated cell site components on the cell tower, one or morebuildings, and surrounding geography around the cell site (step 2402);obtaining second data capture for subterranean geography associated withthe surrounding geography (step 2404); utilizing the first data captureand the second data capture to develop the 3D model which includes boththe above ground components and the subterranean geography (step 2406);and utilizing the 3D model to perform the one or more of the site audit,the site survey, and the cell site planning and engineering (step 2408).

The method 2450 can further include obtaining third data capture ofinteriors of the one or more buildings; and utilizing the third datacapture to develop the 3D model for the interiors. The obtaining seconddata capture can be performed with a data capture device using one ofsonar, ultrasound, and LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Theobtaining first data capture can be performed with an Unmanned AerialVehicle (UAV) flying about the cell tower, and wherein the obtainingsecond data capture can be performed with the data capture device on theUAV. The obtaining first data capture can be performed with an UnmannedAerial Vehicle (UAV) flying about the cell tower. The first data capturecan include a plurality of photos or video subject to a plurality ofconstraints, wherein the plurality of photos are obtained by a pluralityof cameras which are coordinated with one another. The 3D model can bepresented in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to perform the one or moreof the site audit, the site survey, and the cell site planning andengineering. The subterranean geography in the 3D model can illustratesupport structures of the cell tower and utility constructions in thesurrounding geography. The method can further include utilizing anexternal data source to verify utility constructions in the second datacapture for the subterranean geography.

§ 21.0 3D Model of Cell Sites for Modeling Fiber Connectivity

As described herein, various approaches are described for 3D models forcell sites for cell site audits, site surveys, close-out audits, etc.which can be performed remotely (virtual). In an exemplary embodiment,the 3D model is further extended to cover surrounding areas focusing onfiber optic cables near the cell site. Specifically, with the fiberconnectivity in the 3D model, backhaul connectivity can be determinedremotely.

Referring to FIG. 39, in an exemplary embodiment, a perspective diagramillustrates the 3D model 2400 of the cell site 10, the cell tower 12,the cell site components 14, and the shelter or cabinet 52 along withsurrounding geography 2402, subterranean geography 2404, and fiberconnectivity 2500. Again, the 3D model 2400 of the cell site 10, thecell tower 12, the cell site components 14, and the shelter or cabinet52 along with a 3D model of the interior 900 can be constructed usingthe various techniques described herein. Specifically, FIG. 39 extendsthe 3D model 2400 in FIG. 38 and in other areas described herein tofurther include fiber cabling.

As previously described, the systems and methods extend the 3D model2400 to include the surrounding geography 2402 and the subterraneangeography 2404. The surrounding geography 2402 represents the physicallocation around the cell site 10. This can include the cell tower 12,the shelter or cabinet 52, access roads, etc. The subterranean geography2404 includes the area underneath the surrounding geography 2402.Additionally, the 3D model 2400 also includes the fiber connectivity2500 including components above ground in the surrounding geography 2402and as well as the subterranean geography 2404.

The fiber connectivity 2500 can include poles 2502 and cabling 2504 onthe poles 2502. The 3D model 2400 can include the fiber connectivity2500 at the surrounding geography 2402 and the subterranean geography2404. Also, the 3D model can extend out from the surrounding geography2402 on a path associated with the fiber connectivity 2500 away from thecell site 10. Here, this can give the operator the opportunity to seewhere the fiber connectivity 2500 extends. Thus, various 3D models 2400can provide a local view of the cell sites 10 as well as fiberconnectivity 2500 in a geographic region. With this information, theoperator can determine how close fiber connectivity 2500 is to currentor future cell sites 10, as well as perform site planning.

A geographic region can include a plurality of 3D models 2400 along withthe fiber connectivity 2500 across the region. A collection of these 3Dmodels 2400 in the region enables operators to perform more efficientsite acquisition and planning.

Data capture of the fiber connectivity 2500 can be through the UAV 50 asdescribed herein. Advantageously, the UAV 50 is efficient to capturephotos or video of the fiber connectivity 2500 without requiring siteaccess (on the ground) as the poles 2502 and the cabling 2504 maytraverse private property, etc. Also, other forms of data capture arecontemplated such as via a car with a camera, a handheld camera, etc.

The UAV 50 can be manually flown at the cell site 10, and once thecabling 2504 is identified, an operator can trace the cabling 2504 tocapture photos or video for creating the 3D model 2400 with the fiberconnectivity 2500. For example, the operator can identify the fiberconnectivity 2500 near the cell site 10 in the surrounding geography2402 and then cause the UAV 50 to fly a path similar to the path takenby the fiber connectivity 2500 while performing data capture. Once thedata is captured, the photos or video can be used to develop a 3D modelof the fiber connectivity 2500 which can be incorporated in the 3D model2400. Also, the data capture can use the techniques for the subterraneangeography 2404 as well.

Referring to FIG. 40, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a method 2550 for creating a three-dimensional (3D) model ofa cell site and associated fiber connectivity for one or more of a cellsite audit, a site survey, and cell site planning and engineering. Themethod 2550 includes determining fiber connectivity at or near the cellsite (step 2552); obtaining first data capture of the fiber connectivityat or near the cell site (step 2554); obtaining second data capture ofone or more paths of the fiber connectivity from the cell site (step2556); obtaining third data capture of the cell site including a celltower, associated cell site components on the cell tower, one or morebuildings, and surrounding geography around the cell site (step 2558);utilizing the first data capture, the second data capture, and the thirddata capture to develop the 3D model which comprises the cell site andthe fiber connectivity (step 2560); and utilizing the 3D model toperform the one or more of the site audit, the site survey, and the cellsite planning and engineering (step 2560).

The method 2550 can further include obtaining fourth data capture forsubterranean geography associated with the surrounding geography of thecell site; and utilizing the fourth data capture with the first datacapture, the second data capture, and the third data capture to developthe 3D model. The fourth data capture can be performed with a datacapture device using one of sonar, ultrasound, photogrammetry, and LIDAR(Light Detection and Ranging).

The method 2550 can further include obtaining fifth data capture ofinteriors of one or more buildings at the cell site; and utilizing thefifth data capture with the first data capture, the second data capture,the third data capture, and the fourth data capture to develop the 3Dmodel. The obtaining first data capture and the obtaining second datacapture can be performed with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flyingabout the cell tower with a data capture device on the UAV. An operatorcan cause the UAV to fly the one or more paths to obtain the second datacapture.

The obtaining first data capture, the obtaining second data capture, andthe obtaining third data capture can be performed with an UnmannedAerial Vehicle (UAV) flying about the cell tower with a data capturedevice on the UAV. The third data capture can include a plurality ofphotos or video subject to a plurality of constraints, wherein theplurality of photos are obtained by a plurality of cameras which arecoordinated with one another. The 3D model can be presented in aGraphical User Interface (GUI) to perform the one or more of the siteaudit, the site survey, and the cell site planning and engineering.

In a further exemplary embodiment, an apparatus adapted to create athree-dimensional (3D) model of a cell site and associated fiberconnectivity for one or more of a cell site audit, a site survey, andcell site planning and engineering includes a network interface, a datacapture device, and a processor communicatively coupled to one another;and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processorto determine fiber connectivity at or near the cell site based onfeedback from the data capture device; obtain first data capture of thefiber connectivity at or near the cell site; obtain second data captureof one or more paths of the fiber connectivity from the cell site;obtain third data capture of the cell site including a cell tower,associated cell site components on the cell tower, one or morebuildings, and surrounding geography around the cell site; utilize thefirst data capture, the second data capture, and the third data captureto develop the 3D model which comprises the cell site and the fiberconnectivity; and utilize the 3D model to perform the one or more of thesite audit, the site survey, and the cell site planning and engineering.

§ 22.0 Detecting Changes at the Cell Site and Surrounding Area UsingUAVs

Referring to FIG. 41, in an exemplary embodiment, a perspective diagramillustrates a cell site 10 with the surrounding geography 2402. FIG. 41is an example of a typical cell site. The cell tower 12 can generally beclassified as a self-support tower, a monopole tower, and a guyed tower.These three types of cell towers 12 have different support mechanisms.The self-support tower can also be referred to as a lattice tower, andit is free standing, with a triangular base with three or four sides.The monopole tower is a single tube tower, and it is also free-standing,but typically at a lower height than the self-support tower. The guyedtower is a straight rod supported by wires attached to the ground. Theguyed tower needs to be inspected every 3 years, or so, the self-supporttower needs to be inspected every 5 years, and the monopole tower needsto be inspected every 7 years. Again, the owners (real estate companiesgenerally) of the cell site 10 have to be able to inspect these sitesefficiently and effectively, especially given the tremendous number ofsites—hundreds of thousands.

A typical cell site 10 can include the cell tower 12 and the associatedcell site components 14 as described herein. The cell site 10 can alsoinclude the shelter or cabinet 52 and other physicalstructures—buildings, outside plant cabinets, etc. The cell site 10 caninclude aerial cabling, an access road 2600, trees, etc. The cell siteoperator is concerned generally about the integrity of all of theaspects of the cell site 10 including the cell tower 12 and the cellsite components 14 as well as everything in the surrounding geography2402. In general, the surrounding geography 2402 can be about an acre;although other sizes are also seen.

Conventionally, the cell site operator had inspections performedmanually with on-site personnel, with a tower climb, and with visualinspection around the surrounding geography 2402. The on-site personnelcan capture data and observations and then return to the office tocompare and contrast with engineering records. That is, the on-sitepersonnel capture data, it is then compared later with existing siteplans, close-out audits, etc. This process is time-consuming and manual.

To address these concerns, the systems and methods propose a combinationof the UAV 50 and 3D models of the cell site 10 and surroundinggeography 2402 to quickly capture and compare data. This capture andcompare can be done in one step on-site, using the UAV 50 and optionallythe mobile device 100, quickly and accurately. First, an initial 3Dmodel 2400 is developed. This can be part of a close-out audit or partof another inspection. The 3D model 2400 can be captured using the 3Dmodeling systems and methods described herein. This initial 3D model2400 can be referred to as a known good situation. The data from the 3Dmodel 2400 can be provided to the UAV 50 or the mobile device 100, and asubsequent inspection can use this initial 3D model 2400 tosimultaneously capture current data and compare the current data withthe known good situation. Any deviations are flagged. The deviations canbe changes to the physical infrastructure, structural problems, grounddisturbances, potential hazards, loss of gravel on the access road 2600such as through wash out, etc.

Referring to FIG. 42, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a method 2650 for cell site inspection by a cell siteoperator using the UAV 50 and a processing device, such as the mobiledevice 100 or a processor associated with the UAV 50. The method 2650includes creating an initial computer model of a cell site andsurrounding geography at a first point in time, wherein the initialcomputer model represents a known good state of the cell site and thesurrounding geography (step 2652); providing the initial computer modelto one or more of the UAV and the processing device (step 2654);capturing current data of the cell site and the surrounding geography ata second point in time using the UAV (step 2656); comparing the currentdata to the initial computer model by the processing device (step 2658);and identifying variances between the current data and the initialcomputer model, wherein the variances comprise differences at the cellsite and the surrounding geography between the first point in time andthe second point in time (step 2660).

The method can further include specifically describing the variancesbased on comparing the current data and the initial computer model,wherein the variances comprise any of changes to a cell tower, changesto cell site components on the cell tower, ground hazards, state of anaccess road, and landscape changes in the surrounding geography. Theinitial computer model can be a three-dimensional (3D) model describinga point cloud, and where the comparing comprises a comparison of thecurrent data to the point cloud. The initial computer model can bedetermined as part of one of a close-out audit and a site inspectionwhere it is determined the initial computer model represents the knowngood state. The UAV can be utilized to capture data from the initialcomputer model, and the UAV is utilized in the capturing the currentdata. A flight plan of the UAV around a cell tower can be based on atype of the cell tower including any of a self-support tower, a monopoletower, and a guyed tower. The initial computer model can be athree-dimensional (3D) model viewed in a Graphical User Interface, andwherein the method can further include creating a second 3D model basedon the current data and utilizing the second 3D model if it isdetermined the cell site is in the known good state based on the currentdata.

In another exemplary embodiment, a processing device for cell siteinspection by a cell site operator using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV) includes a network interface and a processor communicativelycoupled to one another; and memory storing instructions that, whenexecuted, cause the processor to, responsive to creation of an initialcomputer model of a cell site and surrounding geography at a first pointin time, wherein the initial computer model represents a known goodstate of the cell site and the surrounding geography, receive theinitial computer model; receive captured current data of the cell siteand the surrounding geography at a second point in time using the UAV;compare the current data to the initial computer model; and identifyvariances between the current data and the initial computer model,wherein the variances comprise differences at the cell site and thesurrounding geography between the first point in time and the secondpoint in time.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readablemedium includes instructions that, when executed, cause one or moreprocessors to perform the steps of: creating an initial computer modelof a cell site and surrounding geography at a first point in time,wherein the initial computer model represents a known good state of thecell site and the surrounding geography; providing the initial computermodel to one or more of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and aprocessing device; capturing current data of the cell site and thesurrounding geography at a second point in time using the UAV; comparingthe current data to the initial computer model by the processing device;and identifying variances between the current data and the initialcomputer model, wherein the variances comprise differences at the cellsite and the surrounding geography between the first point in time andthe second point in time.

§ 23.0 Virtual 360 View Systems and Methods

Referring to FIG. 43, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a virtual 360 view method 2700 for creating and using avirtual 360 environment. The method 2700 is described referencing thecell site 10 and using the UAV 50; those skilled in the art willrecognize that other types of telecommunication sites are alsocontemplated such as data centers, central offices, regenerator huts,etc. The objective of the method 2700 is to create the virtual 360environment and an example virtual 360 environment is illustrated inFIGS. 44-53.

The method 2700 includes various data capture steps including capturing360-degree photos at multiple points around the ground portion of thecell site 10 (step 2702), capturing 360-degree photos of the cell tower12 and the surrounding geography 2402 with the UAV 50 (step 2704), andcapturing photos inside the shelter or cabinet 52 (step 2706). Once allof the data is captured, the method 2700 includes stitching the variousphotos together with linking to create the virtual 360-degree viewenvironment (step 2708). The virtual 360-degree view environment can behosted on a server, in the cloud, etc. and accessible remotely such asvia a URL or the like. The hosting device can enable display of thevirtual 360-degree view environment for an operator to virtually visitthe cell site 10 and perform associated functions (step 2710). Forexample, the operator can access the virtual 360-degree view environmentvia a tablet, computer, mobile device, etc. and perform a site survey,site audit, site inspection, etc. for various purposes such asmaintenance, installation, upgrades, etc.

An important aspect of the method 2700 is proper data capture of thevarious photos. For step 2702, the photos are preferably captured with a360-degree camera or the like. The multiple points for the groundportion of the cell site 10 can include taking one or more photos ateach corner of the cell site 10 to get all of the angles, e.g., at eachpoint of a square or rectangle defining the surrounding geography 2402.Also, the multiple points can include photos at gates for a walkingpath, access road, etc. The multiple points can also include pointsaround the cell tower 12 such as at the base of the cell tower, pointsbetween the cell tower 12 and the shelter or cabinet 52, points aroundthe shelter or cabinet 52 including any ingress (doors) points. Thephotos can also include the ingress points into the shelter or cabinet52 and then systematically working down the rows of equipment in theshelter or cabinet 52 (which is covered in step 2706).

For step 2704, the UAV 50 can employ the various techniques describedherein. In particular, the UAV 50 is used to take photos at the top ofthe cell tower 12 including the surrounding geography 2402. Also, theUAV 50 is utilized to take detailed photos of the cell site components14 on the cell tower 12, such as sector photos of the alpha, beta, andgamma sectors to show the front of the antennas and the direction eachantenna is facing. Also, the UAV 50 or another device can take photos orvideo of the access road, of a tower climb (with the UAV 50 flying upthe cell tower 12), at the top of the cell tower 12 including pointingdown showing the entire cell site 10, etc. The photos for the sectorsshould capture all of the cell site equipment 14 including cabling,serial numbers, identifiers, etc.

For step 2706, the objective is to obtain photos inside the shelter orcabinet 52 to enable virtual movement through the interior and toidentify (zoom) items of interest. The photos capture all model numbers,labels, cables, etc. The model numbers and/or labels can be used tocreate hotspots in the virtual 360-degree view environment where theoperator can click for additional details such as close up views. Thedata capture should include photos with the equipment doors both openand closed to show equipment, status identifiers, cabling, etc. In thesame manner, the data capture should include any power plant, AC panels,batteries, etc. both with doors open and closed to show various detailstherein (breakers, labels, model numbers, etc.). Also, the data capturewithin the shelter or cabinet 52 can include coax ports and ground bars(inside/outside/tower), the telco board and equipment, all technologyequipment and model numbers; all rack-mounted equipment, all wallmounted equipment.

For ground-based photo or video capture, the method 2700 can use themultiple camera apparatus 2000 (or a variant thereof with a singlecamera such as a 360-degree camera). For example, the ground-based datacapture can use a tripod or pole about 4-7′ tall with a 360-degreecamera attached thereto to replicate an eye-level view for anindividual. A technician performing this data capture place theapparatus 2000 (or variant thereof) at all four corners of the cell site10 to capture the photos while then placing and capturing in between thepoints to make sure every perspective and side of objects can be seen ina 360/VR environment of the virtual 360-degree view environment.

Also, items needing additional detail for telecommunication audits canbe captured using a traditional camera and embedded into the 360/VRenvironment for viewing. For example, this can include detailed close-upphotos of equipment, cabling, breakers, etc. The individual taking thephotos places themselves in the environment where the camera cannot viewthem in that perspective.

For UAV-based data capture, the UAV 50 can include the 360-degree cameraattached thereto or mounted. Importantly, the camera on the UAV 50should be positioned so that the photos or video are free from the UAV,i.e., the camera's field of view should not include any portion of theUAV 50. The camera mount can attach below the UAV 50 making sure nolanding gear or other parts of the UAV 50 are visible to the camera. Thecamera mounts can be attached to the landing gear or in place of or onthe normal payload area best for the center of gravity. Using the UAV50, data capture can be taken systematically around the cell tower 12 tocreate a 360 view on sides and above the cell tower 12.

For step 2708, the 360-degree camera takes several photos of thesurrounding environment. The photos need to be combined into onepanoramic like photo by stitching the individual photos together. Thiscan be performed at the job site to stitch the photos together to makeit ready for the VR environment. Also, the various techniques describedherein are also contemplated for virtual views.

Once the virtual 360-degree view environment is created, it is hostedonline for access by operators, installers, engineers, etc. The virtual360-degree view environment can be accessed securely such as over HTTPS,over a Virtual Private Network (VPN), etc. The objective of the virtual360-degree view environment is to provide navigation in a manner similarto as if the viewer was physically located at the cell site 10. In thismanner, the display or Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the virtual360-degree view environment supports navigation (e.g., via a mouse,scroll bar, touch screen, etc.) to allow the viewer to move about thecell site 10 and inspect/zoom in on various objects of interest.

FIGS. 44-55 illustrate screen shots from an exemplary implementation ofthe virtual 360-degree view environment. FIG. 44 is a view entering thecell site 10 facing the cell tower 12 and the shelter or cabinet 52.Note, this is a 360-view, and the viewer can zoom, pan, scroll, etc. asif they were at the cell site 10 walking and/or moving their head/eyes.The display can include location items which denote a possible area theviewer can move to, such as the northwest corner or the back of shelterin FIG. 44. Further, the display can include information icons such astower plate which denotes the possibility of zooming in to seeadditional detail.

In FIG. 45, the viewer has moved to the back of the shelter, and thereare now information icons for the GPS antenna and the exterior coaxport. In FIG. 46, the viewer navigates to the top of the cell tower 12showing a view of the entire cell site 10. In FIG. 47, the viewer zoomsin, such as via an information icon, to get a closer view of one sector.In FIG. 48, the viewer navigates to the side of the shelter or cabinet52, and there is an information icon for the propane tank. In FIG. 49,the viewer navigates to the front of the shelter or cabinet 52 showingdoors to the generator room and to the shelter itself along with variousinformation icons to display details on the door.

In FIG. 49, the viewer navigates into the generator room, and this viewshows information icons for the generator. In FIG. 50, the viewernavigates into the shelter or cabinet 52 and views the wall showing thepower panel with associated information icons. In FIG. 51, the viewerlooks around the interior of the shelter or cabinet 52 showing racks ofequipment. In FIG. 52, the viewer looks at a rack with the equipmentdoor closed, and this view shows various information icons. Finally, inFIG. 53, the viewer virtually opens the door for LTE equipment.

FIGS. 54 and 55 illustrate the ability to “pop-up” or call an additionalphoto within the environment by clicking the information icons. Note,the viewer can also zoom within the environment and on the popped outphotos.

§ 24.0 Modified Virtual 360 View Systems and Methods

Referring to FIG. 56, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a virtual 360 view method 2800 for creating, modifying, andusing a virtual 360 environment. The method 2800 includes performingdata capture of the telecommunications site (step 2802). The datacapture can utilize the various techniques described herein. Of note,the data capture in the method 2800 can be performed prior toconstruction of the cell site 10, for planning, engineering, compliance,and installation. The entire construction area can be captured in aquick flight with the UAV 50. For example, the photos of the cell site10 or recommended construction zone can be captured with the UAV 50, ina manner that the environment can be reconstructed virtually into apoint cloud model using photogrammetry software.

Once the data capture is obtained, a 3D model is created based onprocessing the data capture (step 2804). The 3D model can be createdbased on the various techniques described herein. Again, the cell site10 here does not necessarily have the cell tower 12 and/or various cellsite components 14, etc. The objective of the method 2800 is to createthe 3D model where 3D replications of future installed equipment can beplaced and examined.

Once created from the data capture, the 3D model is exported andimported into modification software (step 2806). For example, the 3Dmodel can be exported using a file type/extension such as .obj withtexture files. The file and its textures are imported into a 3D designsoftware where 3D modifications can be performed to the imported 3Dmodel of already preexisting objects scanned and where new 3D objectscan be created from scratch using inputted dimensions or the like. Themodification software can be used to modify the 3D model to add one ormore objects (step 2808).

Specifically, the one or more objects can include the cell tower 12, thecell site components 14, the shelter or cabinet 52, or the like. Thatis, from the customer's specifications or construction drawings,equipment is added using their dimensions using the software. This canalso be performed using a GUI and drag/drop operations. The modificationsoftware can add/combine the newly created 3D objects to the cell siteor construction zone model at the correct distances from objects(georeferenced location) as illustrated in the construction drawings orclient details.

The model is then exported as a new 3D model file where it can be viewedby the customer in various 3D model software or web-based viewingpackages where the additions can be viewed from any perspective theychoose (step 2810).

The modified 3D model can be utilized for planning, engineering, and/orinstallation (step 2812). The 3D model in its future replicated form canthen be shared easily among contractors, engineers, and city officialsto exam the future installation in a 3D virtual environment where eachcan easily manipulate the environment to express their needs and come toa unified plan. This process will allow construction companies,engineers, and local official to see a scaled size rendering of theplans (i.e., CDs—Constructions Drawings).

Referring to FIGS. 57-58, in an exemplary embodiment, screenshotsillustrate a 3D model of a telecommunications site 2850 of a buildingroof with antenna equipment 2852 added in the modified 3D model. Here,the antenna equipment 2852 is shown with a fence on top of the buildingroof, showing the proposed construction is obscured. This can be used toshow the building owner the actual look of the proposed construction inthe modified 3D model as well as other stakeholders to assist inplanning (approvals, etc.) as well as to assist engineers in engineeringand installation.

§ 25.0 Augmented Reality

The augmented reality systems and methods allow a user to experience 3Ddigital objects through a digital camera such as on a mobile device,tablet, laptop, etc. The 3D digital objects can be created viaphotogrammetry or created as a 3D model. The user can project the 3Ddigital objects onto in a virtual environment including real-time in aview on a phone, tablet, etc. as well as in existing virtualenvironments.

For example, the augmented reality systems and methods can be used in abattery and/or power plant installations such as in a cabinet orshelter. The augmented reality systems and methods can assist engineers,planners, installers, operators, etc. to visualize new equipment onsite, to determine where installation should occur, to determine cablelengths, to perform engineering, to show the operators options, etc. Theaugmented reality systems and methods can include visualizing rackplacements in shelters or head-end space for small cell applicationswith and without equipment already in the racks. The augmented realitysystems and methods can be used to visualize outdoor small cellequipment, cabinets, cages, poles, node placements, etc.

The augmented reality systems and methods can further be used for visualshelter and cell tower placements at new locations. Further, theaugmented reality systems and methods can visualize antenna placementson towers, walls, ceiling tiles, building, and other structures.Advantageously, the augmented reality systems and methods can be used toshow stakeholders (cell site operators, wireless service providers,building owners, the general public, etc.) the view prior toconstruction. Since the view is easily manipulable, the stakeholders canuse the augmented reality systems and methods to agree on project scopein advance, with very little cost for changes as there are all performedin the virtual environment. This can lead to easier project approval andgeneral satisfaction amongst the stakeholders.

Referring to FIG. 59, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a scanning method 2900 for incorporating an object in avirtual view. The method 2900 enables the creation of a 3D model of avirtual object which can then be placed in a virtual environment foraugmented reality. As mentioned above, example use cases for the virtualobject can include a cell tower, a shelter, cell site components on thecell tower, power equipment, batteries, or virtually any component thatis added to the cell site 10.

The method 2900 includes obtaining data capture and processing thecaptured data to create a 3D point cloud (step 2902). As describedherein, the data capture can use various different techniques includingthe UAV 50 and the associated aspects. The captured data can includephotos and/or digital video, with associated geographic information.

The method 2900 can include editing the 3D point cloud, generating a 3Dmesh of point, and editing the 3D mesh object if needed (step 2904). Theediting can be performed to adjust the capture data. Once the 3D meshobject is finalized, the method 2900 can include processing the 3D meshobject file (.obj) with material library files (.mtl) and texture filesto form a 3D model (step 2906). Steps 2902-2904 include the data captureand data processing to form the 3D model of the virtual object. Thevirtual object can be defined by the .obj file, .mtl file, and texturefile together, such as in a folder or .zip file.

Next, the 3D model is incorporated in an augmented reality server (step2908). Here, the 3D model can be uploaded to the cloud for laterretrieval and use. Once on site or at a computer with a particular areaof interest in view, the method 2900 can include projecting the 3D modelof the virtual object in the area of interest (step 2910). In anexemplary embodiment, the mobile device 100 can include an augmentedreality app which can be activated and use the camera. The augmentedreality app can obtain a virtual object from the cloud and project it toscale in the camera's field of view. In another exemplary embodiment,the virtual object can be added to a virtual environment on a computer,etc. including one viewed via a Web browser. Various other approachesare contemplated. This enables planners, installers, engineers,operators, etc. the ability to accurately visualize the virtual objectin place before it is installed.

Referring to FIG. 60, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a model creation method 2920 for incorporating a virtuallycreated object in a virtual view. The model creation method 2920 issimilar to the method 2900 except it involves creating the virtualobject without data capture. Here, a user can create 3D models using 3DComputer Aided Design (CAD) software or the like. The user is able toeither create a new prototype model based on need, or to review specdrawings of an existing object and create a 3D model based thereon. Thiswill be able to provide the user a model, if it is not available toscan. For example, this may be the case in a new cell tower 12, etc.

The method 2920 includes creating a 3D model (step 2922). Again, thiscan be using 3D CAD software, etc. The 3D model is saved as a .obj fileor other 3D model file type. The .obj file can be included with the .mtlfile and texture file as above in the method 2900 and stored in thecloud. The method 2902 includes incorporating the 3D model in theaugmented reality server (step 2924) and on sire or with the particularare of interest in view, projecting the 3D model in the area of interest(step 2926).

Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and describedherein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examplesthereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functionsand/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments andexamples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, arecontemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method using augmented reality to visualize atelecommunications site for planning, engineering, and installingequipment, the method comprising: creating a three-dimensional (3D)model of a virtual object representing the equipment; providing the 3Dmodel of the virtual object to an augmented reality server; providing avirtual environment representing the telecommunications site; obtainingthe virtual object from the augmented reality server; and selectivelyinserting the virtual object in the virtual environment for one or moreof planning, engineering, and installation associated with thetelecommunications site.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the 3D modelis created through steps of: obtaining data capture of a particularobject for the virtual object; processing the captured data to create a3D point cloud and generating a 3D mesh object; and providing multiplefiles to represent the 3D model to the augmented reality server.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the data capture is via an Unmanned AerialVehicle (UAV).
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the captured data isprocessed by editing one or more of the 3D point cloud and the 3D meshobject.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the multiple files comprise anobject file, a material library file, and a texture file.
 6. The methodof claim 1, wherein the 3D model is created through steps of: creatingthe virtual object utilizing Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual environment is provided via aWeb browser and the virtual object is selected and virtually inserted inthe Web browser.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtualenvironment is provided via a camera on a mobile device and the virtualobject is selected and placed in the camera field of view.
 9. A serverconfigured for augmented reality to visualize a telecommunications sitefor planning, engineering, and installing equipment, the servercomprising: a network interface and a processor communicatively coupledto one another; and memory storing instructions that, when executed,cause the processor to create a three-dimensional (3D) model of avirtual object representing the equipment; provide the 3D model of thevirtual object to an augmented reality server; provide a virtualenvironment representing the telecommunications site; obtain the virtualobject from the augmented reality server; and selectively insert thevirtual object in the virtual environment for one or more of planning,engineering, and installation associated with the telecommunicationssite.
 10. The server of claim 9, wherein the 3D model is created throughinstructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: obtain datacapture of a particular object for the virtual object; process thecaptured data to create a 3D point cloud and generating a 3D meshobject; and provide multiple files to represent the 3D model to theaugmented reality server.
 11. The server of claim 10, wherein the datacapture is via an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
 12. The server of claim10, wherein the captured data is processed by editing one or more of the3D point cloud and the 3D mesh object.
 13. The server of claim 10,wherein the multiple files comprise an object file, a material libraryfile, and a texture file.
 14. The server of claim 9, wherein the 3Dmodel is created through instructions that, when executed, cause theprocessor to: create the virtual object utilizing Computer Aided Design(CAD) software.
 15. The server of claim 9, wherein the virtualenvironment is provided via a Web browser and the virtual object isselected and virtually inserted in the Web browser.
 16. The server ofclaim 9, wherein the virtual environment is provided via a camera on amobile device and the virtual object is selected and placed in thecamera field of view.
 17. A non-transitory computer-readable mediumincludes instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processorsto perform the steps of: creating a three-dimensional (3D) model of avirtual object representing the equipment; providing the 3D model of thevirtual object to an augmented reality server; providing a virtualenvironment representing the telecommunications site; obtaining thevirtual object from the augmented reality server; and selectivelyinserting the virtual object in the virtual environment for one or moreof planning, engineering, and installation associated with thetelecommunications site.
 18. The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 17, wherein the 3D model is created through steps of: obtainingdata capture of a particular object for the virtual object; processingthe captured data to create a 3D point cloud and generating a 3D meshobject; and providing multiple files to represent the 3D model to theaugmented reality server.
 19. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 18, wherein the captured data is processed by editingone or more of the 3D point cloud and the 3D mesh object.
 20. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein themultiple files comprise an object file, a material library file, and atexture file.